IPUF 2018: 1-4 July
The 2018 IPUF conference will be held at Surval Boutiue Olive Estate, situated ca. 5 km from Oudtshoorn on the Cango Caves road (R328) . Oudtshoorn is the largest town in the Litte Karoo (also known as Kannaland). It is an arid area of 23 500 km square (mainly Succulent Karoo Biome) situated in the southeastern part of the Western Cape Province, with a plant diversity of more than 3000 species. Kannaland is named after kanna or canna (Mesembryanthemum tortuosum, previously known as Sceletim tortuosum), one of the most important of all Cape herbal medicines. The original inhabitants of Kannaland were Khoi herders of the Attqua group but limited informatin about their culture has survived. Recent ethnobotanical survey work has revealed a total of 693 useful plants (including the major grazing plants) and a total of 286 medicinal plants.
Oudtshoorn is widely known as the "ostrich capital of the world" because it is the main centre of the ostrich industry. There are some fabulous houses that date back to the tie of the ostrich boom. Oudtshoorn is the main centre for the productin of specialised agricultural seed (such as onions and carrots). Tourism is also an important source of income. Oudtshorn is known for the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees ("Litte Karoo National Arts Festival"), better known as the KKNK. Other tourist attractions include the CP Nel Museum, Gottand House, the old Dutch Reformed Church, several wine estates along the Route 62 wine route (where some of the best South African Port style wines can be tasted), Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Cango Caves, Cango Ostrich Farm, Cango Wildlife Ranch, Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, Oudtshoorn Ballooning, Safari Show Farm, Swartberg Adventures and Wilgewandel Holiday Farm. The tourism office is situated in Voortrekker Road, next to the CP Nel Museum. Well-known people of the region include C. J. Langenhoven (a famous writer and poet), Etienne Leroux (famous author), Skipper Badenhorst and Lucas "Kabamba" Floors (famous rugby players).
Here are some IMPORTANT DEADLINE DATES
Submission of paper/poster titles : 15 April 2018
Submission of registration forms : 31 May 2018
Submission of paper/poster abstracts : 31 May 2018
Late registration fee applies : 1 to 21 June 2018
Last date for registration and cancellation : 21 June 2018
Please read through the first call for more information
IPUF registration and invoice request form
IPUF_Best Plant Product Entry Form
Please contact Helen at ipuf@uj.ac.za for any questions or queries.