Papyrus
Cyperus papyrus
- Native to:
- Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Caprivi Strip, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Palestine, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Kurt Stüber [1] (www.kurtstueber.de)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Cyperus
- Species:
- Cyperus papyrus
- USDA Symbol:
- CYPA8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- green, brown
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Bactra verutana, stored nut moth (Paralipsa gularis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, waterlogged, organic soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Thrives in shallow water or marshy areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require consistent moisture and warm temperatures (20-25°C) for germination. More commonly propagated by division.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).