African rice (Oryza glaberrima, Syn. Pl. Glumac. 1: 3 (1853))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Steud.

Bibliography: Syn. Pl. Glumac. 1: 3 (1853)

Year: 1853

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oryza

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Trop. Africa to Chad

Description

African rice, known scientifically as Oryza glaberrima, is a significant grain within the grass family Poaceae. This plant holds remarkable agricultural and cultural importance, particularly in Western Tropical Africa, where it has been cultivated for centuries.

With origins stretching to regions as diverse as West Tropical Africa and extending towards Chad, African rice has adapted to a variety of environmental conditions, showcasing its resilience and agricultural potential. It has been a staple crop for many African communities, playing a crucial role in their diets and subsistence farming practices.

First documented scientifically by Steud. in 1853 in the volume “Syn. Pl. Glumac.” African rice distinguishes itself from the more globally widespread Asian rice (Oryza sativa) with its unique genetic composition and morphological characteristics. Though it is lesser-known on the global stage, African rice’s hardiness and adaptability make it an invaluable crop, particularly in the face of changing climate conditions and growing food security concerns.

Oryza glaberrima provides substantial yields in less-than-ideal soil conditions, often surpassing other rice varieties in its ecological niche. Moreover, it exhibits resistance to common pests and diseases that plague rice crops, highlighting its importance in sustainable agriculture. This resilience is not only crucial for maintaining food supplies but also for the economic stability of farmers in its native regions.

In conclusion, African rice (Oryza glaberrima) is more than just a grain; it is an integral part of the agricultural heritage of West Africa, contributing significantly to food security and sustainability. The ongoing study and cultivation of this crop are essential for preserving biodiversity and supporting local economies in the regions it has sustained for generations.

Common Names

Eng: african rice
Deu: afrikanischer reis
Swe: afrikanskt ris
Spa: arroz de guinea
Fra: riz africain, riz de casamance
Zho: guang fu dao
En: African rice, अफिरकी धान
Ar: أرز أفريقي
Bg: Африкански ориз
Ca: Arròs africà
Zh: Guang fu dao, 光稃稻, 西非栽培稻
Fi: Afrikanriisi
Fr: Riz africain, Riz de Casamance
Ff: Maaroori
De: Afrikanischer Reis
He: אורז אפריקאי
Ko: 아프리카벼
Es: Arroz de Guinea
Sv: Afrikanskt ris
Zh-tw: 西非栽培稻
Zh-hant: 光稃稻
Tr: Afrika pirinci
Uk: Рис африканський
Vi: Lúa châu Phi

Synonyms

• Oryza glaberrima var. longiglumis (Chev.)
• Oryza glaberrima var. subaristata (Roshev.)

Distribution

• Benin (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Chad (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Mali (native)
• Niger (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Togo (native)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:410061-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703464)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oryza glaberrima Steud.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth