The purpose of the International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT), founded at the Seventh International Botanical Congress in Stockholm in 1950, is to promote development of plant systematics world-wide. This it achieves through publication of its journal, Taxon, and its book series, Regnum Vegetabile, plus awarding of research grants, organization and support of symposia, and development of special projects. IAPT is dedicated to promoting understanding of plant diversity, which encompases recognition, classification, and naming of plants and fungi, both living and fossil, plus interpretation of their evolutionary patterns and processes. IAPT also maintains the International Bureau for Plant Taxonomy and Nomenclature.

IAPT vision: Botanical systematics, in the broadest sense, understood and valued by society.

IAPT mission: To promote all aspects of botanical systematics and its significance to the understanding and value of biodiversity.