Ear (botany)
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An ear is the grain-bearing tip part of the stem of a cereal plant, such as wheat or maize.[1] It can also refer to "a prominent lobe in some leaves".[2]
The ear is a spike, consisting of a central stem on which grows tightly packed rows of flowers. These develop into fruits containing the edible seeds.
In some species (including wheat), unripe ears contribute significantly to photosynthesis, in addition to the leaves lower down the plant.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Jackson, Benjamin Daydon (1928). A Glossary of Botanic Terms with their Derivation and Accent (fourth ed.). London: Gerald Duckworth & Co. Ltd.. p. 121. http://www.archive.org/details/glossaryofbotani1928jack.
- ^ Swartz, Delbert (1971). Collegiate Dictionary of Botany. New York: The Ronald Press Company. p. 162.
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