In the present study, perennial grass species Arundo donax L. was pyrolysed in a fixed-bed reactor and characterization was performed for the liquid and the solid products. The effect of process parameters such as temperature (350-650 degrees C), heating rate (10 degrees C and 40 degrees C min(-1)) and sweeping gas flow rate (50-250 ml min(-1)) was also investigated. Maximum bio-oil yield of similar to 26% was observed at 500 degrees C for the heating rate of 40 degrees C min(-1). Chemical composition of the bio-oil was analysed through NMR, FTIR and GC-MS. The biochar was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy along with elemental analysis (CHN). The biochar produced as a co-product of A. donax pyrolysis can be a potential soil amendment with multiple benefits including increased soil fertility and C-sequestration. Current investigation suggests suitability of A. donax as a potential feedstock for exploitation of energy and biomaterials through pyrolytic route. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.