Maize (Zea mays L.), also known as corn, is a tall, annual grass that can grow up to 7 meters tall. It has shiny, dark green leaves that grow alternately along the stem, and at the top of the stem is a tassel-like structure of male flowers that release pollen when the wind blows. Maize is monoecious, meaning that the sexes are separate, with pistillate (ear) flowers and staminate (tassel) flowers. The female flower starts out small but soon develops rows of protuberances.