Wheat

The common wheat (latin: Triticum aestivum) is a true annual plant cultivated for its cereal grains or seeds. About 1000 of the 30,000 wheat varieties are commercially significant. Furthermore, different varieties can be blended prior to sale. A typical wheat plant has long, slender leaves, but the stems, heads, and flowers differ depending on the variety.

For optimal yield, wheat plants must be in a warm and moist environment during the early stage of growth and in sunny and dry climates in the later stages. The amount of rainfall and soil conditions required for wheat cultivation vary between different species.

Research suggests that wheat originates and was first cultivated near the Karacadag Mountains in southeastern Turkey. Today, wheat is grown all over the world, but grows best in the Mediterranean climates of Southern Europe, Australia, South Africa and Middle Chile.