Oryza, commonly known as rice, is a staple food for more than half of the world's population. It belongs to the grass family and is primarily cultivated in warm, wet climates. There are two main species of rice: Oryza sativa, which is widely grown in Asia, and Oryza glaberrima, primarily found in Africa. Rice is typically grown in flooded fields called paddies, which help control weeds and pests. It is a versatile grain, used in various cuisines around the world, and is rich in carbohydrates, making it an essential energy source.