Since its inception in 1993, the Indigenous Plant Use Forum (IPUF), supported by the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF), has served as a vital platform championing the sustainable use of southern Africa’s rich and diverse flora. Over the decades, IPUF has become a leading force that celebrates cultural heritage while promoting socio-economic and scientific advancements to benefit communities and the broader research landscape.

Each year, IPUF’s unique, multidisciplinary conferences bring together diverse participants, including academics, traditional healers, anthropologists, business professionals, resource managers, conservationists, policymakers, and enthusiastic advocates for the sustainable use of southern African plants. These gatherings offer a space for collaboration and exchange, helping to ensure that indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices are shared, preserved, and innovated upon.

Reflecting over 25 years of impactful conferences, IPUF has drawn support from across South Africa and internationally. It has been instrumental in advancing research, particularly by encouraging and supporting young black scientists. In 2015, this spirit of collaboration led to a joint conference with the USA-based Society for Economic Botany in Clanwilliam, South Africa. This historic event emphasised IPUF’s global connections and influence.

As we prepare for the 27th IPUF at the scenic Misty Hills Country Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa in 2025, we also celebrate our connection to the deep heritage of the region. Located near the Cradle of Humankind and Maropeng, this setting offers a unique opportunity to reflect on humanity’s ancient relationship with plants. The theme for this year, “Roots to Innovation: Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Future Discoveries,” emphasizes how ancestral wisdom—shaped over millennia—continues to inspire and inform modern scientific breakthroughs.

This year’s conference will invite participants to explore how ancient plant-use knowledge, rooted in humanity’s origins, can guide us toward sustainable innovation and socio-economic development. In the inspiring surroundings of Misty Hills, we look forward to forging new connections, gaining fresh insights, and furthering our commitment to the flourishing future of southern Africa’s flora.