Family: Cyperaceae
Species: Cyperus papyrus L.
Common name: Egyptian papyrus
Etymology:
The name derives from an Egyptian word meaning “the royal.” However, the oldest recorded name of this plant is Byblos, originating from the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos on the Nile Delta, which traded it.
Description
Cyperus papyrus is an elegant and highly decorative tropical marsh herbaceous plant. It thrives in stagnant waters, along river edges, or areas subject to periodic flooding. Its triangular stems provide strength and stability, enabling the plant to support the rather bulky top section where the thin branches and leaves grow. The hollow structure of the stems makes them light, allowing the plant to transport oxygen from the leaves to the roots—an adaptation beneficial for survival in aquatic environments.
At the tips of the stems, the plant develops a dense cluster of thin, bright green leaves arranged radially. In summer, a crown of small, straw-coloured flowers forms at the end of the cluster.
The roots grow in the lower portion of the stem, often fully submerged in water, and create a network that helps stabilisethe surrounding soil and filter the water, thus enhancing the quality of the local environment.
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical Africa, Madagascar, and Jordan
This species grows spontaneously in Italy only in Sicily (in the Province of Syracuse), although it has been extensively introduced to Mediterranean gardens. It reproduces by dividing the clumps in late spring.
Properties and Uses
Today, C. papyrus is primarily cultivated for ornamental purposes. However, in ancient Egypt, it had multiple uses:
Paper Production: The stems’ inner white, tender pith was processed into papyrus paper.
Food: The same tender pith was sometimes eaten.
Flowers: Used to make garlands.
Rhizomes: Employed as a source of fuel.
Roots and Stems: Used to craft containers, utensils, footwear, and even boats.
Notes and Curiosities
In Lower Egypt, papyrus symbolised fertility, fecundity, and regeneration; it was offered to the gods during religious and funeral processions as a symbol of future rebirth.
This species loves sunlight and flourishes along the banks of slow-flowing waterways, with its roots submerged. The triangular stem shape is an interesting adaptation that helps the plant withstand strong winds and water currents, reducing the likelihood of stem damage.
Its presence in the Heller garden immediately captures visitors’ attention. It survives here thanks to the mild climate typical of the Lake Garda region. The long stems of C. papyrus rise skyward, creating an imposing, majestic appearance in the park’s scattered ponds. Together with false papyrus (Cyperus alternifolius), which is more hardy and straightforward to cultivate in northern regions, they enliven the water features and lend an elegant, refined touch to the landscape.
We can readily distinguish the two varieties of papyrus by their leaves. C. papyrus has a crown of numerous thin, slightly curved leaves, whereas C. alternifolius is recognised by its longer, more arched umbels. Its stems are also generally shorter and thinner than true papyrus.
Pontederia cordata (Hydrocharis): This plant has heart-shaped leaves and bright blue flowers that contrast nicely with the green of the papyrus.
Water lilies, too, bring colour and vitality to the water’s surface, providing a visual counterpoint to the tall papyrus stems.