Planting unit

Rachis segmentRachis segment:
A segment of the central axis of the inflorescence (rachis). In some species (e.g. Andropogon) separation of the sessile spikelets occurs when the rachis disarticulates at the spikelet bases leaving the segment of the rachis between spikelets attached to the lower spikelet.

Shape

D-shaped

Size

• Length 5–6.5 mm
• Width 3.5–4 mm
• Thickness 4–4.2 mm

Color

Light brown with dark brown mottling

Texture

Smooth

Lemma

Not visible, enclosed in rachis segmentRachis segment:
A segment of the central axis of the inflorescence (rachis). In some species (e.g. Andropogon) separation of the sessile spikelets occurs when the rachis disarticulates at the spikelet bases leaving the segment of the rachis between spikelets attached to the lower spikelet.
and hard glumesGlume:
The pair of chaffy bracts that occur at the base of a grass spikelet, often completely enclosing it.

Palea

Not visible, enclosed in rachis segmentRachis segment:
A segment of the central axis of the inflorescence (rachis). In some species (e.g. Andropogon) separation of the sessile spikelets occurs when the rachis disarticulates at the spikelet bases leaving the segment of the rachis between spikelets attached to the lower spikelet.
and hard glumesGlume:
The pair of chaffy bracts that occur at the base of a grass spikelet, often completely enclosing it.
.

Other structures

FloretFloret:
A small flower in a clustered inflorescence (e.g., sunflower, grasses). In grasses, a floret consists of the lemma, palea, stamens, and pistil.
not visible.

Family

Poaceae

Valid name

Zea mexicana (Schrad.) Kuntze

Synonyms

Euchlaena mexicana Schrad. 
Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana (Schrad.) Iltis