African rice Oryza glaberrima
African rice (Oryza glaberrima) is an annual vegetable in the Poaceae family, native to West Africa: domesticated about 3,000 years ago in the inland delta of the Niger (Mali). It grows 70 cm–1.5 m (28 in–4.9 ft) tall and 25–40 cm (10–16 in) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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African rice at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 70 cm–1.5 m (28 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 1–3 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: grain (red-brown bran) |
| Native to | West Africa: domesticated about 3,000 years ago in the inland delta of the Niger (Mali) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is African rice toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with African rice
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about African rice
- How far apart should I plant African rice?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–40 cm (10–16 in).
- Does African rice need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does African rice need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is African rice?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does African rice flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 1–3 weeks.
- Is African rice poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with African rice?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for African rice. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Lost Crops of Africa, vol. I Grains (1996), II Vegetables (2006), III Fruits (2008), National Research Council, National Academies Press, Washington DC
- Rice Knowledge Bank, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Notes and assumptions
- A separate domestication from Asian rice: stiff, upright panicles with few branches and red bran. Hardier against weeds, drought, iron toxicity and deep water, but lower yielding; crossed with Asian rice to breed NERICA varieties. Enslaved West African rice growers brought rice-growing skills to the Carolinas.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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