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ABOUT THE SOCIETY
Uniting aroid enthusiasts worldwide since 1977. Discover our rich history, guiding mission, ethical standards, leadership team, and the key documents that shape the International Aroid Society.
MISSION | HISTORY | ETHICS | LEADERSHIP | CONTACT US | BYLAWS & ARTICLES
OUR MISSION
The International Aroid Society (IAS) is committed to providing education, fostering community, and promoting the conservation of aroids worldwide. Our mission is to serve as a trusted authority on aroid research, horticulture, and history while cultivating a global network of enthusiasts, researchers, and horticulturists.
We strive to advance the study and responsible enjoyment of aroids through:
Information Sharing: Providing reliable and expert knowledge on all aspects of aroids through publications, digital resources, and educational programs.
Cultivar Registration: Serving as the official registrar for the Araceae family to preserve horticultural history and ensure standardized nomenclature.
Community Engagement: Bringing together a passionate community of aroid enthusiasts through events, discussions, and networking opportunities.
Conservation Advocacy: Promoting ethical and sustainable collection practices, advocating for habitat preservation, and educating members on the importance of conservation efforts.
Through these efforts, IAS continues to inspire, educate, and connect individuals who share a passion for this extraordinary plant family, ensuring its appreciation and preservation for generations to come.
SOCIETY HISTORY
The International Aroid Society (IAS), a non-profit organization, was founded on June 18, 1977, originally as the American Aroid Society, when 17 aroid enthusiasts gathered at the home of Bette Waterbury in Miami, Florida. Soon after, the group held its first official meeting, and the Society quickly expanded into an international organization. Within its first year, IAS membership grew from 32 to 362 members across 15 countries, reflecting a rapidly growing global interest in aroids.
From the beginning, IAS has been dedicated to education, community-building, and the advancement of aroid horticulture. The Society’s flagship publications, Aroideana, a scholarly journal focused on aroid research, and the IAS Newsletter, have been instrumental in shaping the Society’s long-standing contributions to the field. Early milestones included awards in the education category at prominent flower and horticultural shows, underscoring IAS’s commitment to spreading knowledge and cultivating enthusiasm for aroids.
Over the years, IAS has become the premier hub for aroid enthusiasts, fostering connections among growers, researchers, and collectors worldwide. As the official registrar for the Araceae family, IAS plays a crucial role in preserving horticultural history and standardizing cultivar nomenclature.
A highlight of the Society’s annual calendar is the Aroid Show and Sale—rebranded in 2024 as the Tropical Plant Expo—which has grown into a premier gathering for the global aroid community. This event provides a unique platform for members and enthusiasts to connect, exchange knowledge, and celebrate the incredible diversity of aroids.
Today, IAS continues to build on its rich legacy, uniting a worldwide network of experts and enthusiasts, promoting the study and conservation of aroids, and championing ethical horticulture practices for future generations.
STATEMENT ON UNETHICAL & UNSUSTAINABLE WILD COLLECTION
The IAS Board of Directors supports ethical, sustainable collecting of aroids from their natural habitat. Such activities should be done responsibly, with concern for the integrity of the ecosystem; support for conservation, education, and the continued existence of sustainable populations of aroid species in their original habitat; and respect for existing laws, policies, practices, and people in the area of origin, as appropriate. We feel that this position is particularly important at the present time, due to the destruction, degradation, and exploitation of many native aroid habitats and the increasing severity of weather events related to climate change. Unethical and unsustainable acquisition of aroids, including collection of large numbers of plants, damage to local environments, and other actions that threaten the survival of a population or species in the wild, are not tolerated. We do not endorse such actions, nor will we be complicit as an organization in supporting those who engage in such actions.
For our annual show and sale, we make our stance known to each of our vendors and partners, and we require that, to be included in our show and sale, they abide by the elements of this statement. We also ask that anyone who believes that a vendor is not upholding these values provide the IAS Board with conclusive documentation of actions that are out of keeping with this statement. Upon receipt of this documentation, the IAS board will follow up with that party regarding any concerns.
It is our intention that the IAS continue to promote the sustainable and responsible enjoyment of aroids for all current and future generations of enthusiasts.
Updated September 2, 2023 by the Board of Directors
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
CURRENT OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The International Aroid Society is guided by a dedicated team of volunteer Officers and Board Members who generously contribute their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to advancing our mission. Our leadership is passionate about promoting education, conservation, and community among aroid enthusiasts around the globe.