Chiba University Matsudo/Kashiwa Campus Plant Database

Details of genus: Zea [1761]

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Family: Poaceae

family_ja: イネ

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description_en: Genus of 4 species of annual, rarely perennial grasses found along field margins and on disturbed ground in Central America. The sturdy stems bear lance-shaped leaves in 2 ranks. They produce terminal, spike-like male panicles, each one with a solitary, stemless spikelet or "ear" on the inter-nodes; axillary female inflorescences consist of numerous spikelets arranged in longitudinal rows on a thickened axis. The female flowers, each with a long, silky style, are enclosed within a spathe bract or "husk", and are followed by a "cob" of fleshy kernels. Z. mays (maize) is an important cereal crop in tropical and temperate regions. A number of ornamental cultivars are valued for their brightly variegated leaves and for their multi-coloured cobs. Grow in a sheltered mixed border or as dot plants in summer bedding schemes.

hardiness_en: Half hardy.

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propagation_en: Sow seed at 18°C (64°F) in late winter or early spring, or in situ in late spring.

pests_en: Occasionally attacked by aphids and sweetcorn smut.

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comment_ja: トウモロコシ

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Update Information: Created: 2007-12-06 12:51; Updated: 2020-09-04 03:56

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