Rice, Common Rice

Oryza sativa

Physical Characteristics

Oryza sativa is a ANNUAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. 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.

Distribution

Only known in cultivation.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Seed - cooked. It is usually either boiled or steamed and can be eaten in a wide variety of both savoury and sweet dishes[238 ]. It is an essential accompaniment for curries and Far Eastern dishes, it is used in European dishes such as paella and risotto, whilst it is also used in sweet dishes such as rice pudding[238 ]. The grain can also be popped like popcorn to make a breakfast cereal[238 ]. An oil is obtained from the seed[418 ]. It is used in cooking and as a salad oil[418 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antihydrotic Appetizer Tonic Urinary Rice is a nutritive, soothing, tonic herb that is diuretic, reduces lactation, improves digestion and controls sweating[238 ]. The seeds are taken internally in the treatment of urinary dysfunction[238 ]. The seeds, or the germinated seeds, are taken to treat excessive lactation[238 ]. The germinated seeds are used to treat poor appetite, indigestion abdominal discomfort and bloating[238 ]. The grains are often cooked with herbs to make a medicinal gruel[238 ]. The rhizome is taken internally in the treatment of night sweats, especially in cases of tuberculosis and chronic pneumonia[238 ]. The rhizomes are harvested at the end of the growing season and dried for use in decoctions[238 ].

Known Hazards

None known