Smithsonian Insider Wild forms of Zea mays are called 'Teosinte'. Image description: Over time, selective breeding modifies teosinte's few fruitcases (left) into modern corn's rows of exposed kernels (right). (Photo courtesy Salem Hardy Plant Society Home Duke Energy plans gas plants as it moves away from coal, but critics see higher cost and emissions WFAE 90.7 Charlotte's NPR News Source Plant Classification CK 12 Foundation