Manchurian wild rice
Zizania latifolia
Manchurian wild rice
Other Common name: Manchurian rice grass
Description
Manchurian wild rice is a tall rhizome-producing perennial grass that grows up to 3 m tall. It has harsh, erect, dull-grey-green leaves (2-3 cm wide) up to 2.5 m long, which have a stout midrib and taper to a point. From November to December a purplish or red-brown flower head (40-60 cm long) is produced. Unlike raupo, which can look similar, it remains green over winter.
Impact
It forms dense long-lived stands on land and water margins, overtopping other riparian species. It blocks drains and destabilises stopbanks, promoting flooding, and also invades flood-prone pastures and wetlands.
What to do
In Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Wellington contact your regional council. In all other regions contact MAF Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 if you find this plant.
Please also see the manchurian wild rice fact sheet 
(686 KB).
Page last updated: 19 August 2009