What is "corn smut"

n. A fungus that affects corn (maize), taxonomic name ''(w: Ustilago maydis)'', which induces tumors in the plant, known to be eaten as a delicacy.

n. a smut fungus attacking Indian corn [syn: cornsmut]

Corn smut is a plant disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis that causes smut on maize and teosinte. The fungus forms galls on all above-ground parts of corn species, and is known in Mexico as the delicacy huitlacoche; it is eaten, usually as a filling, in quesadillas and other tortilla-based foods, and soups.