One of the most mystical plants was the papyrus (mehyt) - a symbol of life itself and the marsh from which all life came. Pillars of papyrus were thought to hold up the sky. It was also the symbol of Lower Egypt.

Similarly important is the lotus (seshen), a flower that closes at night and sinks under water. For this reason, it became a symbol of the sun and creation, and it was thought that Amun was born from a lotus flower. As a symbol of re-birth, it was associated with Osiris and the funeral cult. It was also the symbol of Upper Egypt.

The most revered trees were the sycamore, which stood at the gates of heaven, and the willow, the tree that grew around Osiris’ coffin.