Sierra Mixe corn

Sierra Mixe corn is a traditional variety of maize grown in the Sierra Mixe region of Mexico, especially the town of Totontepec Villa de Morelos. It is known locally as olotónǏ and has been grown by indigenous farmers for thousands of years.[1]

The aerial roots secrete mucus which supports nitrogen-fixing bacteria

This variety grows unusually tall – up to sixteen feet – and has aerial roots which secrete a mucus which drips around the plant. This secretion supports the growth of symbiotic bacteria which fix nitrogen and so fertilize the plant.[1]

There is commercial and scientific interest in this variety and its genetics are being researched to develop other self-fertilizing varieties which would reduce or eliminate need for other fertilizers. A team at University of California, Davis is working on this under the auspices of the Nagoya Protocol which aims to encourage equitable sharing of the benefits of such biodiversity.[1]