Zea mays is a member of the grass family and is one of the most diverse species of plants

Zea mays is a member of the grass family and is one of the most diverse species of plants. Maize plants contain both male and female reproductive structures and reproduce by both cross-pollination and self-pollination. In most commercially viable maize genotypes, the female structure (the ear) projects outward from a central stalk, while the male structure (the tassel) projects out the top of the stalk. Pollen from the tassel is carried by the wind to other maize plants, where fertilization of the individual kernels on the ear occurs. The ears of maize may range in size from about 2.5 to over 45 cm long. The kernel size, shape, and color also vary widely.