Oreobambos buchwaldii is the sole representative of Oreobambos, a monotypic African genus of bamboo, most closely related to the large genus Bambusa from tropical Asia and America.

It is large and perennial with arching stems up to 20 m. high, growing in isolated clumps, in forest clearings and swamp forest, and along streams, at altitudes of 300–2000 m. It occurs along the tropical east of Africa in eastern DR Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Sheaths are covered in appressed, dark brown hairs when young.

Leaf-blade apex is acuminate, while the base is broadly rounded, with a small petiole-like connection to the sheath.

Plants are scattered and apparently not replaced after being cut, a practice which leads to genetic erosion.