Phyllostachys virella is a hardy running bamboo with culms that grow thick relative to its height with a subtle scent suggestive of sandalwood.[1]
This bamboo grows with an expected height to 9 m (30 ft) with a culm diameter to 5 cm (2 in).[2] New culms are green, paling with age, with all green internodes that later develop white powdery rings at maturity.[2] Culm sheath colors appear grey-green with burgundy or purple margins with larger sheaths sparsely strewn with small spots.[2] Similar to Phyllostachys atrovaginata, rubbing the culms of this bamboo may release an aroma reminiscent of sandalwood.[1]
This bamboo grows in areas ranging from subtropical to temperate and tolerates winter low temperatures better than most bamboos.[3] Its natural distribution in China is found in Zhejiang Province.[2]
Its common name of "green skin bamboo" or "Dongyang green skin bamboo"[4] translates directly from the Chinese name, Dongyang being a city-level county in the central area of Zhejiang Province.