Manchurian Wild Rice

Zizania latifolia

Physical Characteristics

Zizania latifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It can grow in water.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Manchuria.

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Root Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: The swollen stem bases, infected with the smut fungus Ustilago esculenta, are eaten as a vegetable by the Chinese[1, 74, 105]. They must be harvested before the fungus starts to produce spores since the flesh deteriorates at this time[206]. They are parboiled then sautéed with other vegetables and have a nutty flavour reminiscent of coconut[183]. The wild forms of this species have developed resistance to the smut, so specially disease-susceptible cultivars are grown[206]. Seed - cooked[1, 74, 136]. It can be used like rice in sweet or savoury dishes[183]. The seed can also be ground into a flour and used in making cakes, biscuits etc[K]. The seed contains about 13.7% protein, 0.9% fat, 72.7% carbohydrate, 0.7% ash[179]. Young inflorescences - cooked and used as a vegetable[183]. Young shoots - raw or cooked[46, 136, 178]. A pleasant sweet taste[74]. The shoots contain about 1% protein, 0.3% fat, 4.7% carbohydrate, 0.7% ash[179]. Root[1, 74]. No more details.

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Febrifuge Tonic The shoots, roots and the seed are diuretic and febrifuge[178, 218]. The leaves are tonic[218].

Known Hazards

None known