Rankless suprageneric names (RSNs)

[Lyn Craven]

A few weeks back there was a suggestion on Taxacom that RSNs be permitted,
and written into, the ICBN.  As there was no response, I gather that all
would seem to be in favour.

I'm somewhat neutral on the subject as, should it come in, there is no
compulsion to use the facility.  However, by creating the formal mechanism
to permit informal names to exist, one will have the situation that RSNs
inevitably will become formalised.  It undermines the original, and worthy,
purpose of allowing people to be informal.  Still, one can look forward to
the day when we will be mounting proposals to conserve, reject, amend the
orthography thereof, etc RSNs.
********************************************
Lyn Craven
Australian National Herbarium
CSIRO  Plant Industry
GPO Box 1600
Canberra,  ACT  2601
Australia

Phone    61 2 62465122              Fax       61 2 62465249
Email     craven at pi.csiro.au