The female clusters are borne in spikes, commonly called 'ears,' which number from 2 to 4, and arise at the axils of the leaves, about halfway up the stalk. The ears are enclosed by thick bracts forming the husk, which were once used to make cheap mattresses. They also show long, silky strands called 'silks' that some botanists consider as styles rather than stigmas. There is almost irrefutable proof that corn originated in America. It is thought that it developed through cultivation from Euchlaena mexicana, known as teosinte, which grows wild in the Mexican highlands and some areas of South America.
Most scholars agree that corn came to Europe after the 'discovery' of America by Columbus.
Both the botanical name, mays, and the common name, maize, come from the term mabiz which is an Arawak-Carib name. The use of corn as a crop is on the rise. Corn is also valuable as an oil-producing plant. Polenta, a coarse meal left after the oil is squeezed out of the kernels, and formerly used by the poor, has become a more sophisticated food. Modern packaged mixes make the preparation of this dish easy for even the inexperienced cook.