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] Similar to Phyllostachys atrovaginata, rubbing the culms of this bamboo may release an aroma reminiscent of sandalwood.

[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.