Monisukuiset

Monisukuiset is a term used in Finnish biology to describe taxonomic groups that encompass more than one genus. The word literally means “many genera” (moni- meaning many, suku meaning genus). It is not a formal taxonomic rank, and it does not imply any particular phylogenetic relationship. Instead, it serves as an informal, descriptive label in some Finnish-language texts for higher-level taxa whose constituent species are distributed across multiple genera within the group.

Usage and scope: The term can apply at various taxonomic levels, such as families or clades, especially in regional floras, field guides, or inventories where the focus is on the diversity of genera rather than on a single genus. For example, a regional survey might describe the family Asteraceae or Rosaceae as monisukuiset because it includes many genera represented in the area. The label is meant to convey the idea of genus-level diversity rather than to indicate a formal classification criterion.

Relation to other concepts: Monisukuiset is distinct from formal notions like monophyly, polyphyly, or paraphyly. It is a pragmatic descriptor rather than an assertion about evolutionary history. Because it is not standardized, its precise meaning can vary between sources.

See also: taxonomy, genus, family, polyphyly, monophyly.

References: In practice, the term appears mainly in Finnish-language publications and is not common in international taxonomic literature. As with any informal descriptor, readers should consult the source for how it is being used.