African rice

Oryza glaberrima is an annual grass in the family Poaceae, independently domesticated in West Africa about 3,000 years ago in the inland delta of the Upper Niger River. Plants typically stand under 120 cm tall, although floating ecotypes adapted to deep flood plains can extend stems to 5 m, branching and rooting from higher nodes. The species produces vigorous vegetative growth that effectively suppresses competing weeds. Leaves are linear with short, rounded ligules. Panicles are straight and simply branched, bearing grains in green to black hulls. The caryopses are small, pear-shaped and distinctive for their reddish bran layer; they are notably brittle and prone to breakage during milling. Some traditional landraces are aromatic and lend a characteristic nutty flavour to cooked rice. The species is closely related to Asian rice (Oryza sativa) but is genetically and morphologically distinct.