Oryza sativa

Oryza sativa, commonly known as Asian rice, is the plant species most commonly referred to in English as rice. It is a monocot and is a member of the grass family (Poaceae). Oryza sativa is a cultivated species, grown for its edible starch-rich seed.

Origin and distribution

Oryza sativa was first domesticated in the Yangtze River basin in China. From there, it spread to various parts of Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Today, it is cultivated in a wide range of climates and soils worldwide.

Description

Oryza sativa is an annual plant, usually grown in water-soaked fields, known as paddy fields. It has long, slender leaves and a hollow stem. The flowers are produced on a complex inflorescence that also bears the fruit, which is a caryopsis or grain.

Cultivation and uses

Oryza sativa is one of the most important crops in the world, providing the staple food for over half of the world's population. It is especially important in Asia, where it is cultivated on every continent except Antarctica.

The grain of Oryza sativa can be cooked and eaten in a variety of ways. It is also used to make products such as rice flour, rice bran, rice wine, and rice bran oil. In addition, the plant has uses in traditional medicine and is a model organism in plant genetics and genomics research.

Varieties

There are many varieties of Oryza sativa, including japonica (short-grain rice), indica (long-grain rice), and aromatic rices such as basmati and jasmine rice. These varieties differ in their cooking properties and tastes.

See also

• Rice cultivation
• Rice diseases
• Rice production in the United States
• Rice production in India