wheat

Cereal cultivated for its grain, important in producing food, especially foodstuffs such as flour, bread and semolina.

wheat: spike

The spike is composed of a main axis bearing seeds without a pedicel; the seeds are clustered at the stem’s apex.

section of a grain of wheat

A grain of wheat is a small dry fruit whose single grain is fused to its casing; the varieties differ in size, shape and color.

seed coat

Protective many-layered casing covering the starch and the germ; once separated from the grain, it is known as bran.

germ

The plant’s embryo, located in the lower part of the grain; after germination, it enables a new plant to grow.

starch

Part of the grain where the nutrients required for germ growth are stored; the starch can be ground into flour.

brush

Remnant of the flower’s stigmas; they resemble a tuft of hair atop the grain.