Cyperus papyrus L.
A frost tender, stout perennial reed, the leaves in a drooping umbel at the top of the stem. To 3m. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Introduced to England in 1803 [JD] but obviously known elsewhere as a very useful plant for much longer. The source of papyrus of antiquity.
History at Camden Park
Included in a consignment of plants sent from Kew in November 1843 by John Bidwill [AJCP]. Although there is no record of this plant being grown at Camden it seems likely that these plants were sent there to the care of William Macarthur. Macarthur did attempt to establish a water garden on the estate but abandoned the attempt due to the depredations of swans. It is unlikely that the papyrus would have survived a Camden winter.
Notes
Published Feb 15, 2009 - 02:14 PM | Last updated Jul 16, 2010 - 05:25 PM
| Family | Cyperaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Southern Europe to North Africa |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Papyrus, Egyptian paper reed |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Papyrus antiqorum |
| Confidence level | high |
