[1] Schoenus selinae is species with lateral papery extensions on its inflorescences (flowering stems), and it generally prefers wet mountainous habitats.

The main differences between the two species is that S. pictus has leaves that arise from the base of its stems, whereas S. selinae lacks this character.

[5] Phylogenetic and morphological evidence suggests that the closest relatives to S. selinae are species in the Epischoenus group of Schoenus.

[1] The genus Tetraria once included species from the southern African Schoenus; however, we now know that the two groups are evolutionary distinct based on morphological and molecular differences.

[1] The known elevation range of this species is between 150 and 1700 metres, and it occurs generally on wet mountainous sites with a couple of collections made from forest margins.