Rice is a grass "autogame", a tall crop, that is grown more easily in the tropics. Originally rice was probably cultivated without submersion, but it is believed that mutations led it to become a semi aquatic plant. Although it can grow in diverse environments, it grows faster and more vigorously in wet and warm conditions.

This plant develops a main stem and many tillers and may range from 0.6 to 6 meters (floating rice) in height. The tiller bears a ramified panicle that measures between 20 and 30 centimeters wide. Each panicle has 50 to 300 flowers (floret or spikelet), which form the grains. The fruit obtained is a caryopsis. Rice presents a great capacity for ramifying.

Beyond providing sustenance, rice plays an important cultural role in many countries. Products of the rice plant are used for a number of different purposes, such as fuel, thatching, industrial starch, and artwork.

Growing, selling and eating rice is integral to the culture of many countries. In Japan, rice was historically a product for the wealthy and is now a highly-prized crop. Many rituals surround the preparation of the rice beds, the sowing of the crop, and the harvest.