Ear (botany) Ear (botany) An ear is the grain-bearing tip part of the stem of a cereal plant, such as wheat or maize. It can also refer to "a prominent lobe in some leaves". The ear is a spike, consisting of a central stem on which tightly packed rows of flowers grow. These develop into fruits containing the edible seeds. In corn, it is protected by leaves called husks. In some species (including wheat), unripe ears contribute significantly to photosynthesis, in addition to the leaves lower down the plant. A parasite known as "Anguina tritici" (Ear Cockle) specifically affects the ears on
Calyx (anatomy) Calyx (anatomy) Calyx is a term used in animal anatomy for some cuplike areas or structures. Latin, from "calyx" (from Ancient Greek "κάλυξ, "case of a bud, husk"). The spicules containing the basal portion of the upper tentacular part of the polyp of some soft corals (also called "calice"). A body part of the Entoprocta from which tentacles arise and the mouth and anus are located. The body disk that is covered with a leathery tegumen containing calcareous plates (in crinoids and ophiuroids the main part of the body where the viscera are located). Either a minor calyx in the