Oryza (genus) en

Genus containing 7 to 20 species that are often cultivated to produce an edible starchy cereal grain. It is generally an annual plant, but in tropical areas it can survive as a perennial. Many cultures have evidence of early rice cultivation, including China, India, and the civilizations of Southeast Asia. However, the earliest archaeological evidence comes from central and eastern China and dates to 7000-5000 BCE. With the exception of the type called upland rice, the plant is grown on submerged land. Seedlings are transplanted to a submerged field or paddy for the growing season. The most common species used for food in the modern world is Oryza sativa.