Papyrus and papyrus-like cross-laminated mats were made from pith sections of 22 plants-including stalks of corn, sugar cane, sunflower, celery, and rhubarb. Lignin and sugar compositions were determined for pith sections of papyrus, corn stalk, and kung shu (rice paper tree) and for the cortex, parenchyma fraction, and fibers of the corn stalk. Bonding in pith sections of papyrus, corn stalks, and other plants was indicated to result from hemicellulosic adhesion in the compacted, continuous network of parenchyma cells as implemented by press-drying. The lignocellulosic parenchyma material ( 13% lignin) bonded without delignification. The woody fibrovascular bundles, however, were non-bonding but added structural strength to the cross-laminated mats. Hot press drying enhanced the mat strength in a mechanism similar to that reported for high-yield hardwood kraft pulps. A hardboard made frommoist, defibered, whole corn stalks met strength standards for industrial-grade basic hardboard. -- AATA