Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus)

Papyrus| SCIENTIFIC NAME (Cyperus papyrus)

Emergent aquatic or marginal sedge, up to 3m height. Tall, impressive shrub for large water features with calm water (50cm depth).Leaves reduced, at base of culms. Stems triangular in cross-section, main stems topped by wiry heads of shiny green stalks to form flowering heads. Flowers small, pale brown. Flower heads droop with age. Fruits dark brown, nuts. Propagate by division of woody rhizomes at base of clumps.Stem piths used to make papyrus sheets by ancient Egyptians. Stems woven into reed mats and baskets (bulrush basket used to hold biblical baby Moses). Starchy rhizomes and flowering culms eaten raw or cooked by north Africans. Young stems grazed by livestock. Ash from burnt papyrus used to treat wounds and ulcers.

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