1	Rhizome leptomorph	2
–	Rhizome pachymorph	4
2	Basal culm nodes with thorns, branches spreading	Chimonobambusa
–	Basal culm nodes without thorns, branches erect	3
3	Pedicels glabrous, leaf blades thick, SE USA	Arundinaria
–	Pedicels not glabrous, leaf blades thin, Himalayas & W China	Sarocalamus
4	Branches 3, all sheaths developed, basal nodes with thorns	Chimonocalamus
–	Branches 3-15, sheathing reduced, basal culm nodes with or without thorns	5
5	Rhizomes long or variable in length, clumps open or spreading	6
–	Rhizomes consistently short, culms in single clumps	7
6	Nodes raised, basal culm nodes usually with thorns, Africa	Oldeania
–	Nodes not raised, basal culm nodes without thorns, Asia	Yushania
7	Branch sheathing complete	Thamnocalamus
–	Branch sheathing reduced	8
8	Synflorescence branching paniculate	Borinda
–	Synflorescence branching racemose	9
9	Racemes unilateral, W China	Fargesia
–	Racemes not unilateral, Africa	Bergbambos