Perennial Rice
Oryza hybrids

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

Oryza hybrids is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Various depending on the species.

Origin: hypothetical hybrid.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

New crop

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Carbon Farming Solutions - Staple Crop: balanced carb (The term staple crop typically refers to a food that is eaten routinely and accounts for a dominant part of people's diets in a particular region of the world). Under development as new cereal, annual O. sativa crossed with its perennial ancestors, O. longistaminata and O. rufipogon.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 2

Rice is a nutritive, soothing, tonic herb that is diuretic, reduces lactation, improves digestion and controls sweating. The seeds are taken internally in the treatment of urinary dysfunction. The seeds, or the germinated seeds, are taken to treat excessive lactation. The germinated seeds are used to treat poor appetite, indigestion abdominal discomfort and bloating. The grains are often cooked with herbs to make a medicinal gruel. The rhizome is taken internally in the treatment of night sweats, especially in cases of tuberculosis and chronic pneumonia. The rhizomes are harvested at the end of the growing season and dried for use in decoctions.

Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).

Other

Rating: 2

The straw, which may attain considerable length if the plant has grown in flood water, is valued for thatching. 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.

Staple Crop: Balanced carb: (0-15 percent protein, 0-15 percent oil, with at least one over 5 percent). The carbohydrates are from either starch or sugar. Annuals include maize, wheat, rice, and potato. Perennials include chestnuts, carob, perennial fruits, nuts, cereals, pseudocereals, woody pods, and acorns.

Under Development: Plant breeders are actively working to domesticate these plants for cultivation, but they are not yet commercially available as crops. Examples include most of the perennial cereal grains.

Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.

How it is grown

Climate: cold temperate to tropical, tropical highlands. Humidity: humid, aquatic. Succeeds in full sun and in moderate shade. Requires a wet soil or shallow water.

Propagating it: 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. Division.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist, wet, water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Rice hybrids. Perennial rice.

Synonyms

See individual species.

Perennial Rice Oryza hybrids