What are the parts of a maize plant?
The main parts of a maize plant are roots, stem, leaves, tassel, ear, and grains. Each part plays a role in growth, reproduction, and grain production.
This page explains the parts of the maize plant in simple terms, including their structure and functions.
Maize Plant at a Glance
- Roots → absorb water and nutrients
- Stem → supports plant and transports nutrients
- Leaves → perform photosynthesis
- Tassel → male flowering part
- Ear → female reproductive part
- Grains → final product
Parts of Maize Plant
| Parts of Maize Plant | Structure & Functions |
| Roots | fibrous root system includes crown roots and brace roots absorb water and nutrients |
| Stem | strong and upright transports water and nutrients supports leaves and ears |
| Leaves | long and narrow perform photosynthesis produce energy |
| Tassel | male flowering structure produces pollen |
| Ear | female reproductive structure develops kernels |
| Grains (Kernels) | seeds of the plant used for food and feed |
Diagram of Maize Plant
A maize plant consists of roots below the soil and above-ground parts such as stem, leaves, tassel, and ear.

Functions of Each Part
- Roots → nutrient absorption
- Stem → transport and support
- Leaves → photosynthesis
- Tassel → pollen production
- Ear → grain development
Why Understanding Plant Parts Matters
Knowing plant parts helps in:
- crop management
- identifying growth stages
- improving yield
Comparison with Rice Plant
Unlike rice, maize has separate male (tassel) and female (ear) structures
👉 Link: Parts of Rice Plant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main parts of maize plant?
Roots, stem, leaves, tassel, ear, and grains.
What is the function of tassel in maize?
It produces pollen for fertilization.
What is the ear in maize?
It is the part that develops kernels (grains).
