Zea mays

Zea mays, commonly known as corn, is an annual grass native to the regions of Guatemala, Mexico Central, and Mexico Southwest. This versatile plant thrives in moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil, growing up to 2 meters tall and spreading about 0.66 meters wide. Corn can be propagated directly by sowing seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Known for its edible parts, including pollen, seed, and stem, corn is a staple food in many cultures due to its versatility in cultivation and consumption. Corn grows as single-stemmed plants with multiple ears of kernels on long, thick stalks. It prefers light (9/10) conditions and requires moist soil, making it adaptable to various environments. This plant is hardy in zones 2-11, allowing for widespread cultivation across temperate regions. Corn's distinctive feature lies in its rapid growth rate and fast development cycle, making it a popular choice among farmers. While primarily used as an edible crop, corn also has utility in adhesive, fire starter, oil, and textile applications. It can be found growing in introduced regions such as Afghanistan, Alabama, Albania, and many others listed in the structured data. Corn's introduction to these areas highlights its adaptability and global significance.