Index:PlantFamilyAcronyms

As discussed in literature cited below, Weber’s system of three-letter plant family acronyms has proven highly valuable for information management tasks ranging from filing herbarium specimens and labeling computer files to saving space in published works. This paper gathers under one roof (see Appendices A and B) all published three-letter acronyms for vascular plant families, including the new APG II (2003) system. It also resolves ambiguities resulting from previous publications to make the entire system consistent and conveniently available to users. Acronyms are drawn from Weber (1981, 1982) and other authors (Weber & Wittmann 1992; Snow & Holton 2000; NCU 2003; Brasher & Snow 2003; Snow & Brasher 2004; and Brasher & Snow 2004). Data in the form of authoritatively spelled family names were taken from Kiger & Reveal’s (2000 onwards) comparable system of four-letter acronyms. Users should note that Weber & Wittmann (1992) in some cases used one three-letter acronym to represent both a vascular plant family and a bryophyte family; hence in that publication PLG stands for both Polygonaceae and Plagiotheciaceae. Following the format and rationale of Brasher & Snow (2004), five additional families are presented here, with recommendations to resolve ambiguities pertaining to previous publications.

• Averrhoaceae (AVE (as in Weber’s (1982) alphabetic acronyms list)): Not AVR as is Weber’s (1982) alphabetic families list.
• Cannabaceae (CAN (Weber, 1981, 1982, 2001)): Not CNN (Weber & Wittmann, 1992) . CNN is also used for Connaraceae (Weber, 1982).
• Cypripediaceae (CPD (Weber, 1982)): Not CPP (Weber, 1992) because CPP used for Capparaceae (Weber, 1981, 1982; Weber & Wittmann, 1992).
• Sphenostemonaceae (SPH): Not SPT (NCU, 2003) because SPT used for Sapotaceae (Weber, 1981, 1982).
• Stegnospermataceae (STG (Weber, 1981, 1982)). Not STE as purportedly used by NCU (2003) which is currently not available on-line.

Feedback to Brasher, including the need for any additional acronyms will be welcomed. Suggested Citation: Brasher, J. W. & N. Snow. 2004. An online compilation: Weber’s system of three-letter plant family acronyms.