Description from Flora of China Arborescent or shrubby bamboos.
Rhizomes leptomorph, with running underground stems. Culms
diffuse; internodes profoundly flattened or grooved on one side
above branches; nodes 2-ridged. Branches 2, subequal, rarely
with a much smaller, central or lateral 3rd branch. Culm sheaths
deciduous, papery to subleathery; ligule usually conspicuous;
usually auricled with long bristles; blade usually recurved or
reflexed. Leaf blade with distinct transverse veins, usually
abaxially pilose proximally. Inflorescence bracteate, partially
iterauctant, composed of 1–7-spikeleted racemes gathered into
fascicles or globose mass subtended by a tiny, membranous,
2-keeled prophyll, 0 or 1 gemmiferous bract, 2–6, gradually
enlarged scaly bracts, and 2–7 spathiform bracts. Spikelets with
2–7 florets, terminal sterile. Glumes absent to 1(–3). Rachilla
extending beyond uppermost floret, disarticulating just below
fertile florets. Lemma variable in size and texture; palea
2-keeled, apex bifid; lodicule