This species is closely related to Oryza eichingeri and Orza rhizomatis[].

Common Name:

General Information

Oryza officinalis is a clump-forming, perennial grass with short rhizomes. The erect to semi-erect culms can be 120 - 230cm long[, ]
Because they are a source of resistance to, or tolerance of, biotic and abiotic stresses, the most important use of the various species of wild rice is probably in breeding programmes to improve the species of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa, Oryza glaberrima). However, many are also valuable for use as food supplements and as famine foods when other crops fail. In many parts of South Asia, wild rice grains are used as an offering to Deities in the temples and can command a high price in the market where they are sold during religious festivals. This species is a kind of holy plant in Myanmar, and is protected within the sanctuaries of Buddhist temples. The plant is also used medicinally in China)[].
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines to New Guinea and northern Australia.

Habitat

Edges of or in evergreen or deciduous forests; low, open vegetation; abandoned rice fields or fruit/plantain gardens; in seasonally wet areas, ditches, swampy/marsh places, by small water holes, sides of lake, streams, or rivers; to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun and in partial shade. Prefers alluvial silt soils or sandy soils on limestone in the wild[].
Growth is slow at the seedling stage. Oryza species form a group of C3- cycle plants. Flowering occurs near the end of the prevailing rainy season. Grains are usually deciduous and often have a strong dormancy[].
Plants can be in flower at any time of the year[].

Edible Uses

The red pericarp present in nearly all wild species is favoured by ethnic tribes and some urban people as having nutritional increments or is used for decorative purpose during festivities. On the other hand, if found in commercial lots, the red seed-coat carried by primitive cultivars lowers the grade of milled rice[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Oryza officinalis is resistant to yellow stem borers, tungro virus and several planthoppers[].
Because they are a source of resistance to or tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses, the most important use of the various species of wild rice is probably in breeding programmes to improve the species of cultivated rice[].

Propagation

Seed. The seed of wild rice less than 12 months old often exhibits strong dormancy, which implies (though this has not been established) that the seed retains its viability for a considerable period[].
Heat treatment is generally effective in breaking dormancy - alternating temperatures between 34°c for 16 hours then 11°c for 8 hours is usually effective, though the time taken varies between species[].
Surface sow the seed in light shade and do not allow to dry out. Seed should germinate within 7 days at 30°c[]. Prick out 2 - 3 seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and, after a few days, move to a sunny position. Grow on until large enough to plant out.

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