Plants of the genus Cyperus are not only ornamental but they have a long history of being useful. The origin of our word 'paper,' papyrus was in fact the earliest form of paper. The Cyperus papyrus plant was used by the ancient Egyptians, who become skilled in cutting the stems into thin strips which they could then press and smooth with stones or bones. Beginning some 4,000 years ago, Egyptians recorded their medical systems on rolls of papyrus. Today, papyrus is widely distributed in many tropical and temperate countries throughout the world.

Cyperus alternifolius, which is similar to Cyperus papyrus, can be found in both the pond areas of the Tropical Houses and the Tropical Landscape House.