Differences in the inflorescence morphology and geographical distribution indicate that two species found in the Atlantic Rain Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil, do not belong to Pariana, a genus of herbaceous bamboos (tribe Olyreae, Poaceae) where they were previously classified. We describe a new genus, Parianella, in order to accommodate these two species. Their taxonomic affinities within subtribe Parianinae are discussed, and a key for identification of genera in this group is presented.