Pleioblastus variegatus (Miq.) Makino

Small with slender running rhizomes, sometimes plant forming dense stands. Culm 30–60 cm, green, very slender. Culm-sheaths green; oral bristles present. Branches 1–2 at middle and lower nodes or often culms unbranched. Leaf-sheath glabrous except on margins. Ligule very small. Leaf-blade usually 7–18 × 0.6–1.3 cm, narrow lanceolate, acuminate, dark green with prominent longitudinal white or pale cream stripes or bands of varying widths, abaxially uniformly pubescent.

[From: Edgar and Connor (2000) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 5 (second printing).]