Papyrus Plant

The Egyptian papyrus plant has always been linked to the history of paper as well as to ancient Egyptians. The people of ancient Egypt had used this plant for various purposes. They used this plant for making boats, mats, furniture, sandals and ropes. The most important among them was its use for making paper-like material called 'papyrus'. It is believed that the ancient Egyptians had used this plant as a source of 'papyrus', which they used as a writing medium, 5000 years ago. So the origin of paper is also linked to this plant, which was once plentiful in Egypt.

Papyrus Plant Facts

The scientific name of this plant is Cyperus papyrus and it is commonly known as papyrus sedge or paper reed. This plant belongs to the family Cyperaceae. They are native to Africa and is commonly found to be growing in shallow water. This plant has tall stems, that are triangular in crosssection. The stems of this plant can grow to a height that ranges between 10 to 16 feet. These stems develop from rhizomes and carry numerous spikes on their top ends. Each stem of papyrus plants has numerous spikes, that can grow to a maximum length of around 10 inches. These spikes develop greenish-brown flower clusters at their tips and the flowers transform to fruits with time. It is said that this plant was once abundant along the banks of the Nile. Now this plant is also grown for ornamental purposes.

Papyrus Paper

The papyrus plant was used by the ancient Egyptians for various purposes. This plant was also used for making mattresses, furniture, baskets and boxes. The rhizomes were used as food and medicine. Even perfumes were made from the rhizomes. However, the most important among them is its use in making 'papyrus', which was a medium for writing. The following method was adopted by the Egyptians in making papyrus. After harvesting the stems, the green outer covering were removed and the inner pith were cut into long strips. These strips were soaked for a few days and after that they were arranged in alternating horizontal and vertical layers, over a cotton cloth. These layers of strips were pressed along with the cotton clothes, which were removed, after they get completely dry. These papyrus sheets or paper-like materials were polished with stones for getting smooth surfaces for writing. The word 'paper' is derived from the Egyptian Papyrus.

Papyrus Plant Care

Growing these plants is not a messy or daunting task from the gardening point of view, if you know the right methods. You have to take care of the location of planting, which should be a partial or fully sunny area. It is mainly grown as a landscape plant and is planted in boggy areas near ponds as part of landscaping project. You can also use them as houseplants in containers. Make sure that the container does not have any holes. If there are holes in the container, keep it in a tray of pebbles and fill the tray with water. Use potting soil with a little amount of sand. Water the plant at regular intervals and mist the potted papyrus plants, because they need high humidity levels to thrive.

If you are interested in growing this plant, contact a local nursery for some rhizomes or plants. It will better to gain a basic understanding about papyrus plant care, before you start with the venture.