Zea mays (Corn)

Domesticated in Mexico from wild teosinte, this annual cereal grass is now grown worldwide. Tall stems bear long leaves, pollen-producing tassels at the top and ears containing the female flowers. Each potential kernel has its own silk, which catches pollen carried by the wind. The grain is a staple food and is also used for livestock feed, starch, oil, sweeteners and fuel ethanol. Varieties range from sweet corn eaten fresh to harder grains used for milling and processing. Photographed in Colombia.