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What are corn husks and how do they protect an ear of corn?

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Corn husks, also referred to as shucks, are modified leaves that serve as a protective outer covering for an ear of corn.1

These husks function as a sheath or casing that encloses the developing ear, providing a physical barrier that shields the kernels from external elements. By acting as a protective layer, the husks help safeguard the ear as it matures on the corn plant. Beyond their biological role in the field, husks are also harvested for various practical uses, such as serving as filling material in industrial applications.2314