RICE
Oryza sativa L. (Poaceae).
Given its scientific name by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753; based on cultivated plants he thought were from India, but were grown in Holland.
Rice had been known to Europeans since the time of Alexander the Great.
Native to the Far East; another species is native to Africa and has followed a similar path to domestication.
Life form: annual herb derived from
perennial ancestors.
Parts used: edible seeds used as grain; stems used as forage for animals.
Ploidy level:
diploid.
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