Cyperus papyrus Cleopatra - Papyrus

The Cyperus papyrus Cleopatra: what prettier name could we have chosen to baptise this dwarf version of the majestic Egyptian Papyrus? This variety is similar to the main type, endowed with the same ornamental qualities, but miniature in all its parts. It does not have leaves, but forms long elegant stems that unfurl at their ends into tufts of very fine bracts that make up a kind of feathery umbrella. This variety of modest size is perfect for exotic compositions, on the edge of a pond, or in a large pot kept moist on the terrace.

The Cyperus papyrus or Nile Papyrus, from the family Cyperaceae, is native to the banks of the Nile. It used to form, in the bed and on the banks of this great Egyptian river, mats or floating islands, or large impenetrable thickets, sometimes rising to 5 m (16.4 ft) in height. Following the development of the banks and the construction of various infrastructures such as large dams, it has become rare in its original habitat. It is now cultivated in all temperate regions for its fantastic ornamental qualities, in the garden in the mildest climates, but also in a greenhouse or conservatory. It has given rise to some interesting cultivars, such as the dwarf form Cleopatra.

The Cleopatra variety develops many leafless stems from its rhizomes, with a triangular section of 0.5 cm (0.2 in) for the largest, reaching about 50 cm (19.7 in) in height. It spreads laterally, without theoretical limit. Each stem bears at its end a crown of very fine bracts – a kind of dense, light green mass, composed of thread-like stems 10 to 15 cm (3.9-5.9 in) long, resembling a feather duster when the plant is young. In late spring, a feathery inflorescence appears in the centre of each crown, composed of very small cream-coloured flowers, turning brown when ripe. These flowers give rise to seeds that will be dispersed by the wind. The Cyperus papyrus reproduces both by disseminating its seeds and vegetatively, via lateral growth of its rhizomes. Unlike other species, it does not propagate by immersing its heads in water.

The papyrus, a wonderful bank plant in very mild climates, is also a very beautiful species for the terrace, and quite easy to cultivate as long as the soil in which it is installed remains always moist. It will work wonders around a small above-ground pond arranged on the terrace; for example, in the company of African lilies, Physostegia virginiana or restios, or other plants that resemble grasses. It is likewise splendid near water sources. These perennials will seduce enthusiasts of exotic plants because of their bamboo-like silhouette, or their long unusual flowering. Combining it in open ground or in a pot with dwarf cannas with purple or green foliage, Dierama, Iris versicolor or even Gomphostigma virgatum is always successful.