American Society of Plant Taxonomists

The American Society of Plant Taxonomists (ASPT) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1935 to promote the advancement of plant taxonomy, systematics, and phylogenetics. With a membership of over 1,300 professionals, the society is dedicated to fostering education and research in these fields, including associated studies such as herbaria[1][3].

Objectives and Activities

• Research and Education: ASPT supports research and teaching in plant taxonomy, focusing on both vascular and nonvascular plants. This encompasses topics like taxonomy, systematics, and phylogenetics[3].
• Publications: The society publishes two key journals:
  • Systematic Botany: A quarterly international journal covering topics such as taxonomy, systematics, speciation, and biogeography[2].
  • Systematic Botany Monographs: An irregular series focusing on taxonomic revisions and monographs for specific plant groups, emphasizing species delimitations and nomenclature, as well as morphology and distribution[2].
• Awards and Funding:
  • Asa Gray Award: Recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of plant taxonomy, in line with the society's goals[1].
  • Peter Raven Award: Honors botanical outreach efforts to non-scientific audiences[1].
  • Research and Travel Grants: Supports members in conducting research and attending scientific events.

Leadership and Structure

The ASPT is governed by a council of officers and members-at-large, ensuring the oversight of its activities and strategic direction[4].

Annual Scientific Meetings

Each year, the ASPT convenes a scientific meeting to facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge among researchers[2].

Historical Context

Founded in the early 20th century, the ASPT has evolved to incorporate modern methods and technologies in plant science, while maintaining its core mission to advance the understanding of plant diversity and classification.