Rice is unique among the cereals in being able to germinate and thrive in water. The rice plant is able to transport oxygen to the submerged roots from the leaves, where oxygen is released during photosynthesis. Rice yields are higher in warm, temperate regions that have low summer rainfall with high light intensity. This is because of disease and low soil fertility in much of humid tropics 5. Upland rice consists of certain varieties that can be grown without irrigation or submergence in areas of high rainfall where soils is wet most of the time.
Rice belongs to grass tribe oryzeae.
Has one flowered spikelet with two short glumes. Is an annual. Height is 2-6 ft. tall. Can be propagated vegetatively for several years by transplanting rooted tillers. Very large ligules and large auricles.