This is a diminutive form of Egyptian papyrus, growing to only 2 to 3 feet tall. This plant is a vigorous grower in or out of water. Plant it up to 12 inches deep in water or in rich moist soil in full sun to medium shade (more shade tolerant than regular papyrus). It is hardy to about 20-25 degrees F. Its compact habit is well-suited to a smaller water garden but also makes a great addition to the large pond. This plant was discovered in 1993 during a Cyperus propagation research project at Kagawa University in Japan. In the course of this research a dwarf form of papyrus was isolated and it was determined that it was a dwarf grew with thicker stems and more flower peduncles (the tassels at the top of a Cyperus stem) that were more compact, than the full sized papyrus. It was also found to be considerably more shade tolerant than the full sized plants that were being compared. This plant has been marketed in the US under the invalid name Cyperus papyrus percamentus. Aquatic plant specialist and author (with wife Sue) of the "Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants" (Timber Press, 2004) provided us with the background material on this plant, as published in the International Society of Horticultural Science. He has also proposed the name 'Cyperus papyrus 'King Tut' to used instead of Cyperus papyrus percamentus. We feel it a fitting name! Our thanks to Randy McDonald of McDonald Water Gardens in Reseda, CA for our original stock on this plant. This description is based on research and personal experiences. If you have additional information or disagree with what we list, please contact us with your comments.