Autumn crops and leaves. The crops shown here include maize (Zea mays), an apple (Malus domestica), and pumpkin and squash gourds (genus Cucurbita). Maize is one of the world's most important crops. It can be eaten as corn-on-the-cob, as popcorn, or ground into corn flour. Pumpkins and squashes are grown for their pulpy flesh, which can be used to make soups, pies and other dishes. Apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals.