Clump-forming bamboo; culms dense, c.5m high and to 5cm diameter, dark green, powdery white when young, terete; habit erect but not fastigiate. Culm sheaths with dark brown caducous hairs, at least on main culms, otherwise surface light green or, more especially lamina, brownish-green; lamina 8-12xc.4.5cm, auricles and oral bristles small, dark and ephemeral. Branches several from nodes, often c.3, one much longer than others and to 1m or more long in lower shaded situation, shorter above where more exposed. Leaves deep green, slightly paler beneath; oral bristles and small auricles caducous; lamina to 22x5cm in shade.