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Cyperus papyrus, African Shrub

Nearby a bench
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A nice tall example of Cyperus Papyrus grew near a bench. And yes, this is the kind of plant, the reeds of which were used by Thor Heyerdahl to build Ra external link.

Cyperus Papyrus African Shrub   •  Also called papyrus sedge and paper reed   •  UCSC Arboretum internal link Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 13 April 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:53:38 Thursday 11 March 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #125338_2608BCX
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The leafs
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The Cyperus Papyrus was use in ancient Egypt for food, medicine, fiber and shelter. The English word "paper" is from the Greek term for the ancient Egyptian writing material called "papyrus," which was formed from beaten strips of the Cyperus Papyrus plant stems.

Cyperus Papyrus African Shrub   •  Also called papyrus sedge and paper reed   •  UCSC Arboretum internal link Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 13 April 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:53:38 Thursday 11 March 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #125338_2609BCX
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As decor
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Today papyrus is appreciated for its beauty and is often used in ornamental landscapes especially in pools, ponds and containers. it grows easily indoors provided it is sufficiently well watered.

Cyperus Papyrus African Shrub   •  Also called papyrus sedge and paper reed   •  UCSC Arboretum internal link Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 13 April 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:53:48 Thursday 11 March 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #125348_2610BCX
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As a fan
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As the leaf fronds age, they begin to dry and lean over.

Cyperus Papyrus African Shrub   •  Also called papyrus sedge and paper reed   •  UCSC Arboretum internal link Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 13 April 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:53:54 Thursday 11 March 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #125354_2611BCX
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Completely dry
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A Cyperus Papyrus leaf frond that has compeltely dried out. Its stem is fully bent causing the leaf head to hang upside down.

Cyperus Papyrus African Shrub   •  Also called papyrus sedge and paper reed   •  UCSC Arboretum internal link Santa Cruz, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 13 April 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:54:04 Thursday 11 March 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #125404_2612BCX
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