Oryza glaberrima
Oryza glaberrima
African rice
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Common Names
African rice
Context
nativeRegion
West Africa.
usdaZones
Not typically grown in USDA zones; best in tropical climates, equivalent to zones 10-13.
companionPlants
Leguminous green manure (Sesbania spp.), Azolla (aquatic fern, for nitrogen fixation), Weed-suppressing cover crops
culturalUses
Staple food crop for African communities; valued for cultural heritage, resilience, and traditional cuisine.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun; requires abundant sunlight for optimal growth.
WateringNeeds consistently wet or flooded conditions; thrives in paddies or wet fields.
SoilPrefers heavy clay or loamy soils with good water retention.
FertilizerBenefits from balanced fertilizers; nitrogen supplementation can improve yields.
HumidityExcellent tolerance for high humidity environments.
TemperatureGrows best in warm temperatures, ideally between 25-35°C (77-95°F).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitAnnual, tufted grass.
Mature SizeTypically 1 to 1.5 meters tall.
Growth RateFast-growing under optimal conditions.
BloomingProduces panicles with small flowers during the warm wet season.
DormancyNo true dormancy; completes lifecycle within a single growing season.
Propagation
MethodsSeed sowing, Transplantation of seedlings
DifficultyModerate; requires specific wetland conditions.
Best SeasonStart with onset of rains or in wet season.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningGenerally not required; remove diseased or dying leaves if necessary.
RepottingNot typical; grown in fields or paddies rather than containers.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to rice pests (e.g., planthoppers, borers) and fungal diseases (blast, blight).
ToxicityNontoxic; edible grain.
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