OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaPapyrus is a tall, grass-like plant that grows in shallow water near the edges of rivers, lakes, and swamps. It is especially famous for growing along the Nile River in Africa! Papyrus is one of the most famous plants in history.
- Ancient Egyptians used papyrus stems to make the very first kind of paper!
- They sliced the stems into thin strips, laid them in criss-cross layers, and pressed them to create smooth sheets for writing.
- Our word “paper” actually comes from the word “papyrus.” Ancient Egyptians also used this amazing plant to make boats, sandals, baskets, and rope!
