Glume surface, fruit surface, perianth bristles and pollen morphology in Scirpus L. and related genera from southwest Europe have been investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. The results of this analysis confirm the heterogeneity of the group and provide further support to the current recognition of the genera Scirpus L., Bolboschoenus (Rchb.) Palla, Scirpoides Ség., Schoenoplectus (Rchb.) Palla, Isolepis R.Br., Trichophorum Pers. and Blysmus Panz. as well as to a re-appraisal of subg. Actaeogeton (Rchb.) Oteng-Yeb. of Schoenoplectus.