Did You Know? Papyrus Apr 14 2008
The newest Earth-Touch film location is the Moremi Game Reserve, situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. One of the most common sedge grasses found in this region is papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), the plant used by the ancient Egyptians to make the world’s first primitive paper.
According to Minnesota State University’s E-Museum, papyrus paper may have been used in Egypt as early as 4000 BC. The plant was also used to make boats, rope and baskets. No records were left explaining how the paper was made, and it was only in 1969 that an Egyptian scientist, Dr Hassan Ragab, worked it out again.
This grass is usually the most dominant plant in a permanent swamp environment. It grows quite densely to a height of around 2.5m (8ft) and covers extensive areas.
You can see papyrus in the Earth-Touch clip of moorhens and squacco herons in the Okavango, Dawn on the flood plain.
Image © Earth-Touch 2008
Enjoy this post? Share it with others.
Comments
1
Interesting story. How do one make paper from the papyrus plant? Is it still used today?
Weekly Highlights
