Scientific names ensure clear and universal communication about plants. This system, known as binomial nomenclature, assigns a unique two-part Latinized name to each species, comprising a genus and a specific epithet. When navigating botanical literature or plant databases, abbreviations often accompany these names. Among these, “spp.” is a common shorthand, prompting curiosity about its meaning and usage.
The Meaning and Purpose of ‘spp.’
The abbreviation “spp.” stands for “species pluralis,” a Latin term meaning “multiple species” or “several species.” It refers to more than one unspecified species within a particular genus. For instance, Quercus spp. indicates a discussion about various oak species, not a single named one.
The use of “spp.” is useful when the specific species within a genus is unknown, not relevant, or when referring collectively to many species without listing them individually. This often occurs in ecological surveys, horticultural discussions, or preliminary identifications where precise species-level identification is not necessary or possible.
It is helpful to distinguish “spp.” from its singular counterpart, “sp.” The abbreviation “sp.” (short for “species singularis”) refers to a single, unspecified species within a genus. For example, Rosa sp. indicates one unidentified rose species, while Rosa spp. refers to multiple rose species. Neither “sp.” nor “spp.” are italicized, unlike the genus and specific epithet.
Understanding ‘spp.’ in Plant Classification
The use of “spp.” relates to the hierarchical system of plant taxonomy. This system classifies plants into nested groups, from broad categories like Kingdom down to Family, Genus, and Species.
When “spp.” follows a genus name, it focuses on the genus level, encompassing the diversity of species it contains. For example, Pinus spp. acknowledges numerous pine species, such as Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) or Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa pine), without needing to specify each one. This is useful for genera with many species, where listing every single one is impractical.
This abbreviation helps scientists and plant enthusiasts communicate about plants when exact species identification is not the primary concern or has not been achieved. It conveys that the information applies across multiple members of a genus, highlighting their shared characteristics. This practice reflects the practicalities of botanical study, where identifying every individual plant to the species level can be challenging due to factors like immaturity, lack of distinguishing features, or ongoing taxonomic research.