Rhizome spreading and invasive. Stems hollow, mostly to about 2 m tall and sometimes with purple banding (in f. nebulosa (Mak.) Suzuki), the internodes generally about 15 cm long. Leaves to about 40 cm long and 10 cm wide, shiny green, many-nerved with a distinctive yellow midrib and roughish edges.

Japan

 

S. veitchii (Carr.) Rehder differs in being a smaller more compact plant with leaves displaying a broad white edge.

Source: Spencer, R.; Aldous, D.; Stajsic, V.; McGeary, D (2005). Poaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.