You know corn when you see those yellow kernels popping off the cob, but botanically speaking, maize goes by another name. The botanical name of maize is Zea mays. When you start exploring the science behind this common crop, its formal name provides an important key to understanding its taxonomy, genetics, and origins. Getting familiar with calling it Zea mays instead of just “maize” can unlock new insights into this staple grain. So the next time you bite into a delicious ear of corn on the cob, take a moment to appreciate it by its botanical name.
What Is Maize?
Maize, also known as corn, is one of the most popular cereal grains in the world. It’s a large seed plant in the grass family, native to Central America. Maize seeds come in many colors like yellow, white, red, purple, and black.
Maize is a staple crop for many people, used in foods like cornmeal, cornflakes, popcorn, and corn syrup. The kernels are rich in starch, protein, and vitamins. Maize is also used as livestock feed and as a source for ethanol biofuel.
The uses of maize are diverse. Its stems and leaves are used as fodder for animals. Corncobs are used as fuel. Maize oil is used for cooking and soap making. Dried maize leaves are used for weaving mats, baskets, hats and other artifacts. Corn starch is used in the production of laundry starch, cardboard, adhesives, paints, varnishes, and other.
Maize is a good source of certain nutrients like B vitamins, folate, and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. It is also high in fiber, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds. However, maize lacks certain amino acids that our body needs, so it should not be a sole source of nutrients. To get the full range of amino acids, maize should be combined with legumes like beans.
In summary, maize is an extremely versatile and important crop with a long history and many uses, though it needs to be consumed with complementary foods to provide all the nutrients we need.
Common Names For Maize
Corn, as you probably know it, actually has several other names. Here are a few of the most common ones:
Indian Corn
Maize originated in Mesoamerica, so naturally many Native American tribes had their own names for it. The Iroquois referred to it as ‘Indian corn’.
Grain of Plenty
The Incas called maize ‘sara’ or ‘choclo’, which means ‘grain of plenty’. No wonder, since maize was a staple crop that allowed their civilization to flourish.
Flint Corn
Early European settlers called a hard-kernelled maize variety ‘flint corn’ because the kernels were as hard as flint stone. Flint corn was better for grinding into cornmeal and polenta.
Sweet Corn
We’re all familiar with sweet corn, named for its high sugar content and delicious taste when eaten fresh off the cob. Sweet corn is a staple of summer and best served with butter and salt.
Field Corn
’Field corn’ refers to maize varieties used for livestock feed, ethanol production, and manufactured goods like corn syrup and cornstarch. Most of the maize grown in the U.S. is field corn.
Popcorn
Everyone’s favorite movie snack, popcorn gets its name from the way its kernels ‘pop’ when heated. Popcorn maize has been specially bred to have extra hard, dense kernels that can withstand the pressure needed to pop.
Corn on the Cob
Simple but descriptive, ‘corn on the cob’ refers to sweet corn that is eaten directly off the cob. Is your mouth watering yet? Grilling corn on the cob is a perfect summer treat.
History and Origin of Maize
Maize, also known as corn, has a long history spanning over thousands of years. Originating in Central America, maize was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mexico between 7,000 and 9,000 years ago from its wild grass ancestor. Through centuries of cultivation, native growers developed different varieties of maize that were well adapted to their local conditions.
The earliest known maize cobs date from 6,700 years ago, found in caves in Mexico. By 3,500 years ago, maize had spread into South America, and later to North America. This spread was enabled by trade between indigenous groups across the Americas. After Europeans colonized the Americas, maize spread to the rest of the world. It has since become a staple crop, used for food, livestock feed, and many industrial purposes.
Today, maize is grown on over 180 million hectares worldwide, with the largest producers being the United States, China, Brazil, Argentina, Ukraine, and several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the maize grown today is used as livestock feed, but it remains an important food crop, especially in developing countries. The many varieties of maize, from sweet corn to dent corn to popcorn, continue to be an important part of cultures and cuisines around the world.
So in summary, maize has a very long and rich history. Starting as a wild grass in Mexico, it was first domesticated and cultivated by indigenous groups over 7,000 years ago. Through trade and travel, maize spread throughout the Americas and then worldwide. Today, it has become one of the most important food and feed crops globally, with many varieties tracing their origins to the work of early native farmers in developing a diverse range of well-adapted maize types. Maize truly has a remarkable story.
The Botanical Name of Maize Is Zea Mays
The botanical name of maize is Zea mays. This naming system, invented by Carl Linnaeus, is used to classify plants scientifically. The first part of the name, Zea, denotes the genus. The second part, mays, specifies the species. Together, they make up the binomial name of maize.
Genus – Zea
Zea refers to a group of cultivated grass plants in the Andropogoneae tribe of the grass family Poaceae. The genus Zea includes various types of corn or maize.
Species – Mays
Mays indicates a specific species within the Zea genus. Zea mays subsp. Mays, which is the cultivated maize that we are most familiar with. The mays species was originally cultivated in Mexico over 7,000 years ago and was introduced to Europe by the Spanish in the 1500s.
The binomial system of naming plants was established by Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus in 1751. It provides a universal way to identify plant species using Latin names. The first part of the name refers to the plant’s genus, and the second part refers to the specific species within that genus. Using this two-part name, people all over the world can understand exactly which plant is being referred to.
The binomial name Zea mays clearly identifies maize as the species mays within the genus Zea. This naming convention allows scientists and researchers to study maize and develop new varieties to improve yield, quality, disease resistance, and adaptability around the world.
Taxonomy and Classification of Maize
Kingdom: Plantae
Maize, like all plants, belongs to the Kingdom Plantae. This kingdom includes all plants, from mosses and ferns to flowers and trees.
Division: Magnoliophyta
Maize is part of the Magnoliophyta division, which includes all flowering plants. Unlike plants in other divisions, maize produces seeds enclosed within a fruit.
Class: Liliopsida
The class Liliopsida includes all monocots, plants with parallel-veined leaves and flower parts in multiples of three. As a monocot, maize has leaves with parallel veins and its flowers have flower parts in multiples of three.
Order: Poales
The order Poales includes all grasses, including economically important plants like maize, wheat, rice, and sugar cane. Like all grasses, maize has hollow stems and its leaves are long and blade-like.
Family: Poaceae
The family Poaceae includes all grasses. Maize shares characteristics with other grasses like wheat and rice, with long, narrow leaves, stems that contain chlorophyll, and seeds that grow within spikelets.
Genus: Zea
The genus Zea includes several species of grasses native to the Americas, including maize. Maize is the only cultivated crop in the Zea genus.
Species: Mays
The species name Mays specifically refers to maize. The full botanical name for maize is Zea Mays. This species name distinguishes maize from other grasses in the Zea genus.
Uses of Maize (Zea Mays)
Maize has a variety of uses. Here are the major ones:
Food
Maize is a staple food crop for millions of people in many countries. The grain can be ground into flour and used to make porridge, bread, tortillas, and polenta. Maize flour and meal are used in many regional cuisines, from cornbread in the US to ugali in East Africa. The starchy grains are also eaten as a side dish vegetable.
Livestock feed
Maize is a major feed grain for cattle, pigs, and chickens. The grains are energy-dense and help livestock gain weight. The entire maize plant, including the stalks, leaves, and cobs, can also be harvested and fed as silage.
Biofuel
Maize is used to produce ethanol, a renewable biofuel. In the US, maize is the primary feedstock for ethanol production. The starch in maize grains is converted to alcohol through fermentation and distillation. Ethanol is blended with gasoline to produce a fuel called E85.
Cooking oil
Maize germ, the inner seed embryo, contains oil. The oil is extracted and refined to produce cooking oil and margarine. Maize oil has a high smoke point, so it is good for frying. It has a mild flavor and pale yellow color.
Sweeteners
The maize plant produces sugars that can be processed into sweeteners like corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and maltodextrin. These sweeteners are used as additives by the food industry. Corn syrup is also used to produce candy and sweetened beverages.
Industrial products
Derivatives from maize are used to produce plastics, cosmetics, paints, and other industrial products. For example, maize starch can be processed into polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic. Maize gluten meal is used as an animal feed supplement.
Ornamental
Some varieties of maize, like ‘Glass Gem’ and ‘Strawberry Popcorn’, are grown as ornamental plants. The colorful cobs and foliage are decorative. The plants can reach 6-8 feet tall, so they make a bold statement in the garden. The cobs can be dried and used in floral arrangements.
Cultivation of Zea Mays Around the World
Zea Mays, commonly known as maize or corn, is cultivated in many parts of the world. Here’s how it’s grown:
Planting
Corn is planted in the spring after the last frost. The seeds are sown about 2 to 3 inches deep, with the rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 65 to 95 F. As the seedlings sprout, thin them so the plants are 8 to 12 inches apart.
Growth
The corn stalks can grow 6 to 12 feet tall in 3 to 4 months. The plants require full sun and regular watering, especially as the ears and tassels develop. Fertilize the crop every few weeks. Once the tassels form, the stalks produce long anthers that pollinate the silk strands emerging from the ears.
Harvest
The ears are ready to pick once the silks turn brown and the husks feel firm. Grasp the ear and twist it off the stalk. Peel back the husk to check that the kernels are plump and release a milky liquid when punctured. Pick the ears while still slightly immature for the sweetest taste. Left on the stalk, the ears will become starchy.
The cultivation of corn around the world has allowed it to become a staple crop that feeds billions of people and animals. Following the proper steps to plant, grow, and harvest this versatile grain will provide you with a successful and rewarding yield.
Interesting Facts About Maize (Zea Mays)
Maize, commonly known as corn, is one of the most widely grown grains in the world. Here are some fascinating facts about this staple crop:
- The word “maize” comes from the Spanish word “maíz” which was derived from the Taíno word “mahiz”. The Taíno people were indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean.
- Maize is native to Mesoamerica and was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 9,000 years ago. It has since spread throughout the Americas.
- There are over 200 varieties of maize that come in a variety of colors like red, blue, purple, and black. The most common type is yellow dent corn.
- Maize is a staple food in many parts of the world. It is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.
- The United States is the world’s largest producer of maize. Majority of the maize grown in the U.S. is used as livestock feed.
- An ear of corn usually has an even number of rows and kernels. There are generally 2 ears of corn on each corn stalk.
- Popcorn is a special variety of maize that “pops” when heated. The kernels explode and turn inside out.
- Corn silk, the long silky strands that emerge from the tip of the corn ear were once used to treat urinary tract infections and bedwetting. Corn silk acts as a diuretic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maize
Curious to know more about this staple crop? Here are some common questions and answers about maize.
Is maize an annual or perennial plant?
Maize is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in a single growing season. After harvesting, the plant dies.
What part of maize do people eat?
Young ears, often known as baby corn, can be eaten raw; but, as the plant matures, the cob gets tougher, and only the kernels remain edible. They can be eaten whole, ground into cornmeal for cornbread and polenta, or processed into corn syrup and cornstarch.
What types of maize are there?
There are many types of maize, including dent corn, flint corn, popcorn, podcorn, sweet corn and flour corn. The most common types are dent corn and flint corn, which are usually ground or milled into cornmeal or flour. Sweet corn is the type usually eaten as corn on the cob.
Where did maize originate?
Maize originated in Mexico and Central America. It was first cultivated by indigenous peoples in Mexico around 9,000 years ago. Maize later spread to the rest of the Americas, and today is grown on every continent except Antarctica.
Maize has a long and rich history, and continues to play an important role as a staple crop for millions of people worldwide. Hopefully this FAQ has answered some of your questions about this versatile grain.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the fascinating story behind the botanical name of one of the most important cereal crops in the world, maize. From its origins in Mesoamerica to how it got its scientific name Zea mays, we’ve covered the journey of this versatile grain. As you bite into those sweet corn cobs or get lost in a maze this autumn, take a moment to appreciate the diversity of this staple crop that continues to nourish billions globally. With ongoing research and advancements in agriculture, who knows what the future has in store for further improving and sustaining maize production. But for now, let’s celebrate its rich history and importance in our lives.