Oryza rufipogon
Oryza rufipogon
Wild rice
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Common Names
Wild riceRed wild rice
Context
nativeRegion
Tropical and subtropical Asia, especially South, Southeast, and East Asia.
usdaZones
USDA Zones 9–12 (as an annual, can be grown in regions where temperature stays warm).
companionPlants
Cyperus spp., Typha spp., Other wetland or paddy rice species
culturalUses
Wild relative of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa); important genetic resource for rice breeding and conservation; once used as a traditional food resource by local foragers.
Care
Care Requirements
LightPrefers full sun for optimal growth, similar to other rice species.
WateringRequires consistently moist to flooded conditions, as it is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant.
SoilThrives in fertile, loamy, or silty soils with good organic content; tolerant of slightly acidic to neutral pH.
FertilizerResponds well to balanced fertilizers, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, but wild types may require less supplementation than cultivated rice.
HumidityHigh humidity is beneficial and often naturally present in wetland habitats.
TemperatureWarm temperatures between 20–35°C (68–95°F) are ideal.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitAnnual or short-lived perennial, tufted grass.
Mature SizeTypically 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) tall.
Growth RateFast-growing during the wet season.
BloomingFlowers in summer to early autumn; produces panicles of small spikelets.
DormancyMay die back or go dormant in dry seasons if water is lacking.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (grain), Rhizomes (for perennial forms)
DifficultyModerate—requires wet conditions for germination and establishment.
Best SeasonLate spring to early summer, coinciding with rising temperatures and rainfall.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal direct pruning, but weed control may be necessary in cultivated or conservation settings.
RepottingNot typically repotted; best grown in situ or in paddy-style setups for research or conservation.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to similar pests and diseases as cultivated rice, such as rice blast or stem borers, but often more resilient due to genetic diversity.
ToxicityNot toxic; grains are edible and have been used as a food resource.
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