<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Binomial name </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Zea mays L . </Td> </Tr> <P> Maize (/ meɪz / MAYZ; Zea mays subsp . mays, from Spanish: maíz after Taino: mahiz), also known as corn, is a cereal grain first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago . The leafy stalk of the plant produces pollen inflorescences and separate ovuliferous inflorescences called ears that yield kernels or seeds, which are fruits . </P> <P> Maize has become a staple food in many parts of the world, with the total production of maize surpassing that of wheat or rice . However, little of this maize is consumed directly by humans: most is used for corn ethanol, animal feed and other maize products, such as corn starch and corn syrup . The six major types of maize are dent corn, flint corn, pod corn, popcorn, flour corn, and sweet corn . </P>

Where did maize cultivation began in the americas