This herbaceous aquatic plant can grow to between 3 and 5 metres tall and has rhizomes (horizontal stems) that run under the mud. The part of the plant that appears out of the water is made up of inflorescences: long "stems" (inflorescence peduncles) with a triangular cross-section bear an "explosion" of small flowering branches at their tips. The tiny brownish flowers are grouped into small spikes (spikelets). Papyrus plants multiply by dividing rhizomes and by the small, black seeds spread by wind and water.

Cyperus comes from the Greek kupeiros, meaning nutsedge (a herbaceous plant with an edible tuber). The origin of the term papyrus remains uncertain.

Papyrus requires a muddy or sandy substrate deep in water and a sunny position, sheltered from strong winds. It tolerates slight cold.

• Ornamental
• Food: The starchy rhizomes and stems are eaten raw or cooked; the young shoots are fed to livestock.
• Craft: In ancient times, a type of paper called papyrus was made from the pith at the heart of the stems, cut into strips, criss-crossed and glued, crushed, dried and smoothed. It was also used to make canoes, mats, loincloths, sandals, baskets and ropes.

Papyrus plays an essential role in wetland ecosystems. It is highly attractive to nesting birds. Only hippopotamuses and other massive animals can cross the banks, which are abundantly covered with papyrus. Papyrus has become uncommon in the Nile delta, mainly because of artificial flood control. It was very common in ancient times, however, symbolising rebirth and the regeneration of the world (in the guise of the goddess Ouadjet), and thus had both religious and political functions.