Perennial wild rice
Oryza longistaminatafam. Poaceae
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Pl. A60C — Oryza longistaminata
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IOverview
Overview
Perennial wild rice (Oryza longistaminata) is a light-loving, moisture-tolerant plant native to regions in Africa such as Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and Chad. This perennial graces wetlands and marshes with its 1.5-meter height, forming a distinctive grassy habit. Known for its edible seeds, which can be harvested for consumption, this plant thrives in light to heavy soils and requires full sun exposure. Its adaptability to various soil types makes it a valuable addition to wetland ecosystems, providing both ecological benefits and potential food sources.
Quick answers
What is Perennial wild rice?
Perennial wild rice (Oryza longistaminata) is a light-loving, moisture-tolerant plant native to regions in Africa such as Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and Chad. This perennial graces wetlands and marshes with its 1.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Perennial wild rice thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet soil, making it suitable for areas with consistent water availability. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. This plant is hardy in zones 10-12, so it requires a warm climate. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly into the ground where they will grow to a height of about 1.5 meters, forming a graminoid habit. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best results.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet, water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Perennial wild rice for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, moist environment and plenty of sunlight for your Perennial wild rice.
- 1
What you'll need
Perennial wild rice seeds or seedlings, containers or garden space, potting mix if using containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist and temperatures are above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring it's light, medium, or heavy as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors and transplant when they have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to maintain moisture, especially during dry spells. Fertilize sparingly with organic compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The perennial wild rice, Oryza longistaminata, is eaten for its seeds, which can be consumed raw or cooked. The plant grows in moist and wet conditions, thriving in light to heavy soils. While primarily found in Africa, it has been utilized as a food source in various regions where it naturally occurs.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Africa28 regions
native (28)BeninBotswanaBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEthiopiaGabonGambiaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaMalawiMaliMozambiqueNamibiaNigerNigeriaRwandaSenegalSierra LeoneSomaliaSudanTanzaniaTogoUganda
Broader regions
native:Northern Provinces, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Poaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Poaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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