[1] Key diagnostic characters of S. filiculmis are its relatively short stature (<275 mm) and thin leaves and flowering stems.

It appears that part of this problem is caused by the tendency of the southern African Schoenus to form hybrids with each other.

[2] Other notable genera in tribe Schoeneae include Lepidosperma, Oreobolus, Costularia, Tetraria and Gahnia.

[2][4][5] Preliminary evidence suggests that although S. filiculmis shares some morphological characters with the S. compar – S. pictus group (e.g. primary inflorescence bracts with lateral membranes),[1] its evolutionary origin is slightly different.

Southern African Schoenus were once classified as Tetraria; however, based on molecular and morphological differences, we now know that the two groups are evolutionary distinct.