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Oryza ridleyi

Hook.f.

Poaceae Edible: Seeds ?

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

Description

A tropical grass in the family Poaceae with edible seeds.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked. Used in the same ways as ordinary rice.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, India, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Prefers a position in moderate to deep shade.

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 - grow on until large enough to plant out.

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.

Synonyms

Oryza stenothyrsus K. Schum.

References (2)

  • World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • Zeven, A. C. & de West, J. M. J., 1982, Dictionary of cultivated plants and their regions of diversity. Wageningen. p 53

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