Scientific Name Of Maize

Zea mays is the scientific name of maize. Zea mays belongs to the plant genus Zea and is a member of the Poaceae family, commonly referred to as the grass family. It originated in Mexico, where it was domesticated from a wild grass called teosinte. There are numerous varieties and cultivars of maize, each adapted to specific growing conditions and uses. Common types include dent corn (used for animal feed and processed foods), sweet corn (eaten as a vegetable), popcorn (used for making popcorn snacks), and flint corn (known for its hard, colorful kernels).

What is The Scientific Name of Maize?

Zea mays is the scientific name of maize. Maize belongs to the species Zea mays. It is classified within the order Poales, the family Poaceae, the subfamily Panicoideae, the tribe Maydeae, and the subtribe Maydinae. It is a grass plant and produces large ears with rows of edible seeds (kernels) on a cob. The plant grows tall, with upright stems, broad leaves, and inflorescences consisting of male (tassel) and female (ear) flower. Maize is monoecious, bearing separate male and female flowers on the same plant. It shows great genetic diversity, enabling adaptation to various environmental condition. It is a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.

The six major types of maize are dent corn, flint corn, pod corn, popcorn, flour corn, and sweet corn. The  genetically modified organisms (GMOs) variety of corn is produced for resistance to the herbicide glyphosate or to produce proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to kill specific insect pests. Maize is one of the world’s most productive and dominant crops. It is grown extensively as food for both humans and livestock, as a biofuel, and as a crude material in industry.

Maize Taxonomy

The Taxonomy of Maize is as follows:

Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Angiosperm
Class	Monocot
Division	Magnoliophyta
Order	Poales
Family	Poaceae
Genus	Zea
Species	mays

Common Species of Maize in India

In India several species and variety of maize are cultivated. Some of these are described as follows:

1. Zea mays indica: It includes different varieties suitable for different regions and climatic conditions. This is the most commonly cultivated maize species in India.
2. Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata): Sweet corn varieties are famous for their tender and sweet kernels. They are often consumed as a vegetable when the kernels are immature.
3. Flint Corn (Zea mays indurata): In some regions of India flint corn is cultivate. It is known for its hard, glassy kernels and is used for various purposes, including decoration and culinary applications.
4. Dent Corn (Zea mays indentata): Dent corn, also known as field corn,is characterized by a small dent or dimple at the top of each kernel. It is grown for both human consumption and animal feed.
5. Pod Corn (Zea mays tunicata): It known for its unusual husk-like coverings over each kernel. It is found in limited regions in India.

Different Scientific and Common Name of Maize

Some common name of maize along with scientific name are as follows:

Common Name	Scientific Nmae
Maize (Corn)	Zea mays
Sweet Corn	Zea mays (var. saccharata)
Popcorn	Zea mays (var. everta)
Flint Corn (Indian Corn)	Zea mays (var. indurata)
Dent Corn (Field Corn)	Zea mays (var. indentata)
Flour Corn	Zea mays (var. amylacea)
Pod Corn	Zea mays (var. tunicata)

Maize, known scientifically as Zea mays, is known by various local names in different regions around the world. Some of the local names for maize:

1. Corn: Maize is commonly known as “corn” in the North America. This term is also used in some other English-speaking countries.
2. Maíz: In Mexico and other spanish speaking countries maize is often called “maíz”. In Mexico, it’s a staple crop.
3. Makai or Makka:In parts of South Asia and in India, maize is known as “makai” or “makka.”
4. Jagung: Maize is known as “jagung.” in Indonesia and Java.
5. Choclo: In parts of South America, especially in countries like Peru and Bolivia, maize is called “choclo.”
6. Sorghum or Guinea corn: Maize is known as “sorghum” or “Guinea corn,” in some African countries and especially in West Africa.
7. Mielie or mielie pap: In South Africa, maize is often called “mielie,” and it’s a key component of “mielie pap,” a traditional porridge.
8. Milho: Maize is known as “milho” in Brazil and Portugal.

FAQs on Scientific Name of Maize

1. What is the Scientific Name of the Maize?

The scientific name of maize, commonly known as corn, is Zea mays. Zea mays is a cereal grain plant that belongs to the Poaceae family.

2. Give some Examples of the Common Scientific Name of Maize?

The common scientific name for maize is Zea mays. Varieties include Zea mays ssp. mays (common corn), Zea mays ssp. indentata (dent corn), and Zea mays ssp. saccharata (sweet corn).

3. Which Family does Maize Belong to?

Maize, scientifically known as Zea mays, belongs to the Poaceae family, which is commonly referred to as the grass family. It is a major cereal crop within this plant family.