Cyperus papyrus: From the Nile to Modern Times :: Botany

Cyperus papyrus: From the Nile to Modern Times Cyperus papyrus, commonly called papyrus or paper plant, is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is a monocot that is native to riverbanks and other wet soil areas in Egypt, Ethiopia, the Jordan River Valley, and other parts of the Mediterranean basin (1). Few members of the sedge family hold economic importance as crop plants, but throughout the world these plants hold great regional importance in weaving mats, baskets, screens, and even sandals (3). Though not normally grown for crops sedges do hold economic importance to agriculture. A substantial amount of sedges are noxious weeds, invading crop fields in all climates of the world. These include species that invade rice paddies, grazing pastures, as well as others (3.) Sedges do however have a considerable amount of ecological importance. They are of extreme importance to primary production as well as an integral part of the hydrologic cycle (3.) C. papyrus is an aquatic plant that has woody, bluntly triangular stems and grows up to about 15 feet in quietly flowing water up to three feet deep and the stem can grow up to six centimeters in width near the top (4). While the bottom portion of the stem can be up to six inches in width (7). The stem has scattered vascular bundles and no inner pith, like other typical monocots. The stem is composed of cellulose (54-68%) and lignin (24-32%), this helps to provide support for the stem and subsequently helps maintain the plant structure. There are also air ducts in the stem to help the plant stay buoyant; this is an important adaptation since C. papyrus grows in wet conditions (1). The roots, which are rhizomes, spread over the water, forming floating mat. These mats can sometimes break apart allowing the plant to colonize new areas in rivers and lakes. This can sometimes cause problems for shipping vessel (1). The leaves of the paper plant are long and sharp-keeled and have parallel veination (7). The leaves also have an epidermis with no 'long' and 'short' cell differentiation. The leaves usually have silica bodies and stomata are present (6.) The leaves are arranged in umbels, or tufts, on the end of tall, leafless stems (1). The economic contributions of C. papyrus may not be evident to moderns, but its importance to some ancient civilizations is tremendous. The ancient Egyptians were using papyrus to make paper more than five thousand years ago to make the first paper (1.