Cyperus papyrus - Papyrus

Cyperus papyrus is the Papyrus of ancient Egyptians, the one that provided the scribes with the precious material that constituted the most important writing medium during Antiquity. Also known as paper reed, this plant does not have leaves, but forms long, very long stems sometimes exceeding 2m (7ft) in height, which unfold at their ends huge tufts of very fine bracts that compose a feathery umbrella-like appearance. It is a spectacular perennial, undoubtedly the most majestic of aquatic plants in mild climates, as it suffers from the first frosts and disappears if the thermometer drops below -3°C (26.6°F). Its cultivation in a large constantly immersed pot is quite possible; offer this light and heat-hungry Papyrus a very sunny location and a safe shelter for the winter.

Cyperus papyrus, from the family of Cyperaceae, is native to the banks of the Nile. It once formed impenetrable thickets in the bed and on the banks of this great Egyptian river, sometimes reaching a height of 5m (16ft). Following the development of the riverbanks and the construction of various infrastructures such as large dams, it has become rare in its original habitat. It is now cultivated in all temperate regions for its fantastic ornamental qualities, in gardens in the mildest climates, but also in greenhouses or conservatories.

This extremely exuberant plant develops numerous leafless stems from its rootstocks, with a diameter of 1cm (1in) for the largest, reaching a height of about 1.50m (5ft) in our climates. It spreads laterally, without theoretical limit. Each stem bears at its end a crown of very fine bracts. In spring, a feathery inflorescence composed of tiny cream-coloured flowers appears in the centre of each crown, turning brown in summer and ripening. These flowers give rise to seeds that will be dispersed by the wind. Cyperus papyrus reproduces by dispersing its seeds and vegetatively, through lateral growth of its rootstocks. Unlike other species, it does not propagate by immersing its heads in water.

Papyrus, a wonderful bank plant in very mild climates, is also a very beautiful species for the terrace, quite easy to cultivate as long as the soil in which it is installed remains constantly moist. It will work wonders around a small above-ground pond arranged on the terrace, for example, in the company of the Rhodocoma gigantea, another splendid large restio. These plump perennials will seduce lovers of stunning plants, due to their bamboo-like silhouette, in a monumental cluster of large feathers. Imperial when isolated, its association in open ground or in a pot with purple or green-leaved Cannas, bamboos or Nandina, Dierama, Persicarias or even a Gomphostigma virgatum is always successful.