Brownbeard rice

Oryza rufipogon, a member of the grass family Poaceae, is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. It is known by several common names, including Brownbeard rice, wild rice, and red rice. The species has a broad geographic range, including parts of South America such as Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, as well as regions in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The taxonomic classification of Oryza nivara remains debated, with some sources treating it as a distinct species and others as a variant or annual form of O. rufipogon. The species was first described in 1851 by Griffith. Its adaptability to diverse environments contributes to its wide distribution and ecological significance.