This species is closely related to Oryza sativa, with which it may grow sympatrically and naturally hybridize[].

Common Name:

General Information

Oryza rufipogon is a perennial grass with elongated rhizomes; it can grow up to 2 metres tall. The plant produces a clump of scrambling stems that form new roots at the nodes[].
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, this species is also valuable for use as a food supplement in India and Sri Lanka, and as famine food 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[].
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 - China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines to New Guinea and northern Australia

Habitat

Open places in swampy areas, edges of ponds and tanks, stream sides, ditches, in and around rice fields; usually found in shallow water up to 30cm deep, also in seasonally dry areas; at elevations up to 1,400 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Prefers an open, sunny position. Prefers a clay-loam soil and a black soil, and is able to grow in water from 20 - 400cm deep[].
This species is widely believed to be the closest related species to the cultivated rice (Oryza sativa). It is spread widely through the tropics and subtropics and is considered to be invasive in many parts of Central and South America where it has become naturalized. It is considered to be a weed in rice fields, as it easily crosses with the cultivated rice, reducing its market value[, ].

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked. Used like rice in S. America[]. In Asia they are used as a traditional food by some tribal communities, as a famine food when there are no better foods available, whilst the seed is also eaten by Brahmins on days of fasting[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

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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