Taxonomy of zea (gramineae). ii. subspecific categories in the zea mays complex and a generic synopsis

TLDR: A compromise classification of the genus Zea, reflecting both phylogeny and practical needs, recognizes six taxa, which are distinguished by smaller spikelets and rachis joints, the varieties by different habitats, blooming dates and their genetic behavior in relation to cultivated Zea mays.

Abstract: A compromise classification of the genus Zea, reflecting both phylogeny and practical needs, recognizes six taxa, as follows: Section LUXURIANTES: Zea perennis, Zea diploperennis, Zea luxurians. Section ZEA: Zea mays ssp. mexicana (Neo-volcanic Plateau), Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Iltis & Doebley ssp. n. var. parviglumis (Rio Balsas drainage, Pacific slope from Guerrero to Jalisco), Zea mexicana ssp. parviglumis var. huehuetenangensis Iltis & Doebley var. n. (Pacific slope, western Guatemala, Prov. Huehuetenango), Zea mays ssp. mays. The new subspecies is distinguished by smaller spikelets and rachis joints, the varieties by different habitats, blooming dates and their genetic behavior in relation to cultivated Zea mays. Zea mays ssp. mexicana is the ancestor of corn. THE CULTIVATED "CORN" OR "MAIZE" of the American Indians and world commerce, Zea mays ssp. mays, is a species whose taxonomic circumscription has never been questioned. Its wild relatives, the "teosintes," however, have for quite some time now been considered by many workers to present a number of taxonomic problems. This study attempts to resolve some of these. Most modern but orthodox systems of clas