The Papyrus Plant
(Cyperus papyrus) is a tall robust plant in the sedge family (Cyperaceae). The Papyrus Plant is usually rooted but sometimes floating and forming large mats. The plant orginates in Africa, while its current distribution extends to the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions.  The Papyrus Plant was used for papyrus production in ancient Egypt.  Papyrus which in some ways resembles paper was made by slicing the plant stems, softening the paper material in water, pressing and drying the material to create paper scrolls for writing and larger sheets for painting.  Papyrus was invented 4000 B. C. and was very important for the Egyptians, who also exported this product to other nations.  The Chinese invented methods for producing modern paper four thousand years later.