Papyrus. Papyrus sedge (Cyperus papyrus)

Family: Cyperaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Cyperus papyrus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 5 m (16ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The pith of the stem was recommended for food in ancient Egypt. Rhizomes and lowermost parts of the stems - raw or cooked. They can also be chewed, sucked, and spat out, much as sugar cane is done. — The pith of the stem was recommended for food in ancient Egypt.; Rhizomes and lowermost parts of the stems - raw or cooked.; They can also be chewed, sucked, and spat out, much as sugar cane is done.

Habitat & North American Range

Often forms vast stands in swamps, shallow lakes, and along stream banks throughout Africa. It is considered a weed in the Sudan, Dahomey and Egypt. (Zone 9)