corn summary

corn, or maize, Cereal plant (Zea mays) of the grass family (Poaceae). It originated in southern Mexico and has been introduced globally; it is one of the most widely distributed of the world’s food plants. Though it is a major food in many parts of the world, it is inferior to other cereals in nutritional value. In addition to its use as a fresh and processed food for human consumption, corn is an important livestock feed and is used as raw material in industry. American Indians taught colonists to grow corn, including some varieties of yellow corn that are still popular as food, as well as varieties with red, blue, pink, and black kernels, often banded, spotted, or striped, that today are typically regarded as ornamental. The tall annual grass has a stout, erect, solid stem and large narrow leaves with wavy margins. Inedible parts of the plant are used in industry—stalks for paper and wallboard; husks for filling material; and cobs for fuel, to make charcoal, and in the preparation of industrial solvents. Corn husks also have a long history of use in the folk arts for objects such as woven amulets and corn husk dolls. In the U.S. corn is the most important crop, but slightly more acres of soybeans are planted.