What is the scientific name for corn (maize)? The scientific name of corn is Zea mays.
Corn is one of the most widely cultivated crops worldwide, providing numerous raw materials for various purposes, including food, construction, and industrial uses. It has long, stalky stems and golden kernels, and has been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. Scientific classification not only helps identify the plant but also emphasizes its importance in agriculture, nutrition, and culture.
This article will discuss in detail the maize scientific name, genus, classification, meaning, pronunciation, uses, benefits, and types of corn.
What is the Scientific Name for Corn (maize)?
Zea mays is the binomial name for maize (corn). The name Zea mays was first described by Carl Linnaeus and is still the official biological name used in scientific classification.
Meaning and pronunciation of Corn Scientific Name
Meaning:
- The genus name Zea, derived from the Greek word “zeo,” means “grain.”
- The species name may be an adaptation of the word corn: it comes from the Taíno language, a native language of the Americas.
Pronunciation:
- Zea: Pronounced like “ZEE-uh” or “ZAY-uh”.
- mays: Pronounced just like the English word “maze”.
Biological Classification of Corn (maize)
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Monocots |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae (Grass family) |
| Subfamily | Panicoideae |
| Genus | Zea |
| Species | Zea mays (Corn / Maize) |
