Arundinaria mairei Hackel ex Handel-Mazzetti, Symb. Sin. 7: 1273. 1936; Indocalamus mairei (Hackel ex Handel-Mazzetti) McClure; Sinarundinaria mairei (Hackel ex Handel-Mazzetti) Keng ex P. C. Keng; Yushania mairei (Hackel ex Handel-Mazzetti) J. J. N. Campbell.

Rhizome neck 2–10 cm, 1–1.8 cm in diam. Culms 2–4 m, 1–3 cm in diam.; internodes terete, 15–20 cm, initially densely white powdery, distally white or light yellow setulose; wall 1.5–2.5 mm thick; supra-nodal ridge level, initially white powdery; sheath scar prominent, with remains of sheath base. Branches 6–10 per node. Culm sheaths persistent, triangularly narrowly rounded, longer than internodes, leathery, sparsely brown setulose, longitudinal ribs prominent, margins densely brown ciliate apically; auricles and oral setae absent or obscure; ligule truncate or slightly arcuate, 1–2.7 mm; blade reflexed, linear-lanceolate, glabrous. Leaves 2 or 3 per ultimate branch; sheath 1.8–3.5 cm, glabrous; auricles and oral setae absent or obscure; ligule purple, truncate, 1–1.5 mm; blade narrowly lanceolate, 3.5–10.5 × 0.5–0.9(–1.2) cm, glabrous, secondary veins 2- or 3-paired, transverse veins distinct, base broadly cuneate or nearly rounded, one margin spinescent-serrulate, other margin obscure. Inflorescence paniculate, exserted from spathe. Spikelets ca. 8, rachilla 3–4 mm. Glumes 1 or 2, purple, scabrous, apex long mucronate; lemma setose on margins, apex acuminate; palea setose. Anthers yellow. Ovary oblong; styles 2. Caryopsis unknown. New shoots Jul.

The inflorescence of this species was described from R. P. Maire 7534, whereas vegetative details are from T. P. Yi 84014.

The shoots are edible, and the split culms are used for weaving.

* 2900–3600 m. N Yunnan.