Arborescent or shrubby bamboos. Rhizomes leptomorph, with running underground stems. Culms diffuse, sometimes also clustering, erect to nodding; internodes substantially grooved above branches, initially usually pubescent; nodes prominent, sheath rings corky. Branches 3, rarely 5–7 at higher nodes, subequal, buds initially closed at front. Culm sheaths deciduous, setose; ligule serrate or entire; blade lanceolate. Leaves 3–9 per ultimate branch; blade lanceolate. Inflorescence fully bracteate, partially iterauctant, lateral, racemose, prophyllate. Spikelets 1–3, subtended by a prophyll and 2 to more gradually enlarged bracts or glumes, apical 1 or 2 bracts usually with axillary buds, forming secondary pseudospikelets, lateral spikelets sessile, terminal spikelet variably pedicellate. Spikelets with several to many (up to 50) florets. Rachilla disarticulating between florets. Lemma leathery, apex acute; palea about as long as lemma or slightly shorter, 2-keeled, rounded at apex, ciliolate; lodicules 3, membranous, many veined. Stamens 3, sometimes 2 or 4; filaments free. Ovary ellipsoid; style 1, sometimes absent, usually long; stigmas 2 or 3, plumose. Fruit a caryopsis.
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