Papyrus Paper Scraps: 10 scraps of real papyrus paper from Egypt. Largest scrap about 5 inches by 2 inches. The papyrus plant grew in the Nile delta, and could grow to 12 feet tall. The stalk is cut and peeled. The inside "pith" is thinly sliced then it is soaked. Then cross placed, pounded, and dried. Our word "paper" comes from the word "papyrus."