'arundiferous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arundo' (stem 'arundin-') combined with the suffix '-ferous', where 'arundo' meant 'reed' and the root related to 'ferre' meant 'to bear'.

'arundiferous' formed via Medieval/Late Latin formations such as 'arundinifer' or 'arundiniferus' and was adopted into English in learned/technical vocabulary to yield the modern adjective 'arundiferous'.

Initially it meant 'bearing reeds' in literal botanical usage; over time it has retained that specific technical sense and remains chiefly a specialized term.