teosintes
/ˌtiːoʊˈsɪntiːz/
noun
- Plural form of teosinte; multiple plants or species of the wild grass that is the ancestor of corn.
- The genetic diversity of teosintes helps researchers improve modern corn varieties.
- Farmers sometimes remove teosintes from their fields because they can cross-pollinate with corn.
- Different teosintes grow in various regions of Mexico and Guatemala.