rice is classified by length of grain. Long grains have less starch, and thus separate more, becoming fluffy. Short grains less starch, stick more, etc. in short: a side of rice? long grain. sushi? medium grain. risotto? short grain.
Long Grain
Basmati - means “queen of fragrance” in sanskrit. used in pilaf, biryani.
Jasmine - more subtle flavor
texmati - degenerate basmati grown in texas
wehani - from california
Louisiana pecan / popcorn rice - smells like nut
carolina gold - long grain grown in carolina
charleston gold - more aromatic carolina gold
Short/Medium Grain
red/black/brown: they've left more of the bran or germ
thai black rice - whole grain sticky rice that must be steamed rather than boiled
parboiled or “converted” - steamed before milled, so apparently more nutritious. Less sticky.