Subtribe

In biology, a subtribe is a taxonomic rank positioned directly below a tribe and above a genus^[1], with names typically ending in -ina (animals) or -inae (plants). In anthropology, it serves as a secondary classification where a larger ethnic group or tribe is divided into smaller, distinct social units. For example, Hyptidinae is a botanical subtribe categorized under the tribe Ocimeae within the mint family. Similarly, the Kipsigis are a major sub-tribe that falls under the broader Kalenjin ethnic group of East Africa. In both fields, the "tribe" acts as the parent category, while the "subtribe" identifies a specific branch within that larger lineage.

In an anthropological context, the classification works as follows:

• Tribe (The Parent Group): In social organization, a "tribe" is a larger collective sharing a common language, culture, and territory (e.g., Kalenjin people).
• Sub-tribe (The Division): A "sub-tribe" is a secondary division of that larger tribe, often characterized by its own distinct dialect or geographic area while still belonging to the parent group (e.g., Kipsigis).
• Hyptidinae in Anthropology: Anthropologists study how indigenous or local sub-tribes interact with the Hyptidinae plant family. For example, rural communities in Latin America utilize various species of this subtribe as insect repellents and treatments for respiratory disorders.^[2]
• Hierarchy Comparison: Just as the tribe Ocimeae contains the subtribe Hyptidinae in biology, the ethnic tribe Kalenjin contains the sub-tribe Kipsigis in anthropology.
• Cultural Significance: The knowledge of how to use these specific plants is often passed down through clans (smaller units within a sub-tribe), forming a vital part of a group's cultural heritage and survival strategy.

The hierarchy of biological classification's eight major taxonomic ranks. Intermediate minor rankings are not shown.

References

1. Article title
2. "Hyptis - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 2026-01-25.