Cyperus papyrus
Cyperus papyrus, better known by the common names papyrus,[2] papyrus sedge, paper reed, Indian matting plant, or Nile grass, is a species of aquatic flowering plant belonging to the sedge family Cyperaceae. It is a tender herbaceous perennial, native to Africa,[3] and forms tall stands of reed-like swamp vegetation in shallow water.
Papyrus sedge (and its close relatives) has a very long history of use by humans, notably by the Ancient Egyptians (as it is the source of papyrus paper, one of the first types of paper ever made).[3] Parts of the plant can be eaten, and the highly buoyant stems can be made into boats. It is now often cultivated as an ornamental plant.
In nature, it grows in full sun, in flooded swamps, and on lake margins throughout Africa, Madagascar, and the Mediterranean countries.[4] It has been introduced outside its range to tropical regions worldwide (such as the Indian subcontinent, South America, and the Caribbean).
Cultivation[edit]
The papyrus plant is relatively easy to grow from seed, though in Egypt, it is more common to split the rootstock,[13] and grows quite fast once established. Extremely moist soil or roots sunken in the water is preferred and the plant can flower all year long.[14] Vegetative propagation is the suggested process of creating new plants. It is done by splitting the rhizomes into small groups and planting normally.[15] It can reach heights of up to 16 feet tall.[16] C. papyrus is considered to be hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10.[3][9]
C. papyrus[2] and the dwarf cultivar C. papyrus 'Nanus'[17] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (confirmed 2017).[18]
Uses[edit]
In Ancient Egypt, papyrus was used for various of purposes such as baskets, sandals, blankets, medicine, incense, and boats. The woody root was used to make bowls and utensils, and was burned for fuel. The Papyrus Ebers refers to the use of soft papyrus tampons by Egyptian women in the 15th century BCE.[19] Egyptians made efficient use of all parts of the plant. Papyrus was an important "gift of the Nile" which is still preserved and perpetuated in Egyptian culture.[20]