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• Hollow stems, plugged at intervals by nodes
• Leaves begin at the nodes, hug the stem for a distance, then leave with a ligule at the bend.
• Flowers are small, have no petals, are borne in some kind of inflorescence, often a spike or tassel, and are wind-pollinated.

Grains are the major source of calories for humans, including rice in India and the Far East, maize in Mexico, and wheat and barley in Europe. Staple food grains are often called corn.

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