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WHAT IS AN EAR OF CORN?
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ear-like structure is almost enclosed in the leaf sheaths; in the fourth step only the well developed central spike remains, and is entirely enclosed in the leaf sheaths, owing to the shortening of the internodes
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| Fig. 3. a, Central spike of tassel bearing pairs of spikelets in eleven rows; b, lateral branch of tassel bearing pairs of spikelets in two rows; c, tassel in which central spike is developed into an ear. |
below. The last step illustrates a well developed ear, also showing the much shortened internodes below, and the very greatly reduced leaves, which in the highest types of corn completely disappear, leaving only
