Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
BULRUSH, RUSH, a large sedge (Cypress papyrus) still found upon Lake Merom and the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. It was formerly abundant in Egypt, but has now disappeared. Upon the upper Nile it is still found, and it is used by the modern Abyssinians for constructing boats. Ex 2:3-5; Isa 18:2. The bulrush grows in shallow water or mire. Job 8:11. It has an unbranching straight, triangular culm, terminating in a large head (umbel) of small and somewhat drooping stems, as shown in the cut, bearing the chaffy fruit on their extremities.
The stalk is usually about 10 feet high and 2 or 3 inches in diameter at the base. An area of papyrus surmounted by its beautiful tufted plumes is a fine sight. From this plant paper was first made and derived its name. See Book.