Family:  Cyperaceae
Scientific name:  Cyperus papyrus
Common name:  Paper reed

Native of:  Africa

Greenhouse location:  Room I

The ancient Egyptians used the stems of this plant to produce papyrus—a material similar to paper. Egypt was one of the first countries to use "paper," revolutionizing communication and packaging.

Due to the structure of its flowers and the fruit it produces, Cyperus papyrus is classified as a sedge. It grows in shallow water. When the ends of the long stems are submerged, they eventually produce new plants from the tips of the stem.