Rice Scientific Name, Genus, Habitat, FACTS, Uses, and Types

What is the scientific name for rice? The common rice scientific name is Oryza sativa.

Oryza sativa is the most cultivated rice plant species. Rice, a cereal grain, is the main food for more than 50% of the world’s population. It is a member of the Poaceae family, which is commonly referred to as the grass family. The scientific name for rice allows researchers to identify, study, and classify this essential food crop in the plant kingdom.

Rice is primarily grown in Asia, Africa, and small areas of South America. It is the main source of food that contains energy, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Moreover, knowing the scientific name of rice is also beneficial for agricultural research and crop improvement.

What is the Scientific Name for Rice?

Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima are the two main cultivated types of rice. Oryza sativa is a widely grown Asian rice, known for its high yields and global distribution, while Oryza glaberrima is an African rice, traditionally cultivated in West Africa and valued for its resilience to local pests and harsh conditions.

Meaning and pronunciation

The biological name of rice is Oryza sativa, which translates as “rice” from both Greek and Persian sources and as “cultivation” from Latin. The correct way to say it is OR-ee-zuh sa-TEE-vuh, with “Oryza” being almost like “oratory” and “sativa” being a counterpart of “native” in rhythm.

Rice scientific name meaning:

• Oryza: It is the name of the genus that includes rice. Its origin can be traced back to the Greek “oryza,” which probably stems from a Persian term and is also connected to the Sanskrit word for rice, “vrihi.”
• sativa: This name denotes the species. It is derived from the Latin term “sativus,” which means “cultivated” or “sown.”

Pronunciation of rice scientific name:

• Oryza: OR-ee-zuh
• sativa: sa-TEE-vuh

Biological Classification of Rice