Grain

Indica

A tier

Indica is the subspecies or major varietal group of Oryza sativa adapted to tropical and subtropical climates—typically long, slender grains with higher amylose and fluffy, separate cooked texture. Most basmati, many jasmine-adjacent tropical long-grains, and huge volumes of tropical white rice are indica types. Plants often grow taller and more heat-tolerant than temperate japonica. Cook as long-grain table rice, pilaf, or fried rice. Not the right genetics for classic Japanese sticky gohan. Understanding indica versus japonica helps when substituting across recipes, climates, and import labels that only list market class.