Egyptian paperplant (Cyperus papyrus, Sp. Pl.: 47 (1753))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 47 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cyperus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Africa, N. Israel

Description

Egyptian Paperplant (Cyperus papyrus)

The Egyptian paperplant, scientifically recognized as Cyperus papyrus, is a remarkable and historically significant member of the Cyperaceae family. Originally documented in Linnaeus’ seminal work Species Plantarum in 1753, this plant has played a pivotal role in human history and continues to be a subject of fascination for botanists and historians alike.

Native to Africa and northern Israel, the Egyptian paperplant thrives in wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks, where its tall, reed-like stems can reach impressive heights. The plant’s triangular green culms are topped with a spray of thin, grass-like leaves that radiate from a central point, creating a distinctive and lush appearance.

Cyperus papyrus is historically renowned for its critical role in the ancient world, particularly in Egypt. The plant’s stalks were harvested, peeled, and processed to create papyrus, one of the earliest forms of paper. This invention was instrumental in the recording and dissemination of knowledge, contributing significantly to the advancement of Egyptian civilization and beyond. Ancient documents, maps, and books were inscribed on papyrus sheets, many of which have been preserved over millennia, offering invaluable insights into early human history.

Aside from its historical contribution, the Egyptian paperplant also holds ecological significance. It is an important component of wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. Additionally, it plays a role in stabilizing soil and improving water quality by acting as a natural filter, trapping sediments and absorbing pollutants.

In contemporary times, Cyperus papyrus is appreciated not only for its historical value but also as an ornamental plant in gardens and water landscapes. It is admired for its architectural beauty and the lush, tropical ambiance it brings to any setting. Gardeners and landscape designers often utilize it to add vertical interest and texture to water features and ponds.

The enduring legacy of the Egyptian paperplant underscores its versatility and importance across various domains, from historical documentation and ecological benefits to modern aesthetic applications. Its profound legacy as the source of ancient papyrus paper continues to remind us of the interwoven relationship between nature and human innovation.

Common Names

Eng: egyptian paperplant, papyrus, papyrus sedge
Deu: papyrusstaude
Fra: papier du nil, souchet à papier, jonc du nil
Por: papiro
Spa: papiro, papiro del nilo
Swe: papyrus
Ara: bardí
Ita: papiro
Jpn: papirusu
Dan: papyrusfladaks
En: Egyptian paperplant, Papyrus, Papyrus Flat Sedge, Indian matting plant, Nile grass, Paper reed, Papyrus Sedge
Am: ቄጠማ
Ar: سعد بردي, Bardí
Az: Papirus
Zh: 紙莎草, 纸莎草
Hr: Papirus
Cs: Šáchor papírodárný
Da: Papyrusfladaks
Nl: Papyrusriet
Eo: Papiruscipero
Et: Papüürus-lõikhein
Fi: Papyrus, Papyruskaisla
Fr: Papier du Nil, Souchet à papier, Jonc du Nil, Papyrus
Gl: Papiro
Ka: Პაპირი
De: Papyrusstaude, Echter Papyrus
El: Πάπυρος
He: גומא פפירוס, גומא הפפירוס
Hu: Papiruszsás
It: Papiro egiziano, Papiro
Ja: Papirusu
Kk: Папирус
Rw: Urufunzo
Ky: Папирус
Ko: 파피루스
Lt: Papirusinė viksvuolė
Mg: Zozoro papirosy
Ml: നൈൽഗ്രാസ്
Os: Папирус
Fa: نی مردابی
Pl: Cibora papirusowa
Pt: Papiro
Ru: Папирус, Сыть папирусная
Sr: Папирус
Sn: Nhokwe
Es: Papiro, Papiro del Nilo
Sv: Papyrus
Zh-tw: 紙莎草
Ta: பன்புல்
Th: กกอียิปต์
Zh-hant: 紙莎草
Uz: Papirus
Vi: Cói giấy
Yi: פאפירוס

Synonyms

• Chlorocyperus papyrus ((L.) Rikli)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Caprivi Strip (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Congo (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• California (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 10, 2019 by Vasco Vasco Pereira (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2017 by Quisinski Eduardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Artur Szczepanek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by llamas lucia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by rubenberrea (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Christoph Zirwes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by rubenberrea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 29, 2019 by Mike A (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2019 by Ferrero Lorenzo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2019 by Moumite (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Pereira Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2019 by Wolf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 10, 2019 by martine BALAZOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Oct 26, 2022 by marash rakaj (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 30, 2019 by Elisabeth Ahlers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Backhaus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 1985 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Espinoza-Zevallos Marco Elías (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 1985 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2018 by Miguel Blanco Marigorta (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2716311)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:330934-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyperus papyrus L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 7