ACTA BOT. CROAT. 84 (2), 2025 115 Foreword It is a great honour and privilege to celebrate the centen- nial of Acta Botanica Croatica, a journal that has played a pivotal role in the advancement of botanical science in the past 100 years. Since its founding in 1925 by botanists from the Department of Botany at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Zagreb led by Professor Vale Vouk, the journal has served as a vital platform for the dissemination of high-quality research in the different botanical disci- plines, encompassing studies ranging from sub-cellular lev- els to entire ecosystems. The establishment of Acta Botanica Croatica in the years following the First World War was a visionary endeavour, driven by the need to enhance communication within the international scientific community and to facilitate the ex- change of knowledge. Over the decades, the journal has un- dergone significant transformations under the guidance of esteemed editors, each contributing to its continued growth and scientific relevance. From its early years as Acta Botanica Instituti Botanici Regalis Universitatis Zagrebensis, through the post-war consolidations, to its modern-day presence in globally recognized indexing databases, the journal has remained committed to scientific excellence. A major milestone in the journal’s history was its tran- sition into an entirely English-language publication in 1998, a step that greatly expanded its international reach and im- pact. The subsequent inclusion in prestigious indexing ser- vices such as the Web of Science and SCOPUS, along with partnerships with renowned publishers, has reinforced the journal’s reputation as a leading European botanical publi- cation. Today, Acta Botanica Croatica attracts contributions from authors across the globe, fostering a diverse and inter- disciplinary approach to botanical research. Throughout its century-long journey, Acta Botanica Croatica has not only chronicled the evolution of botanical science but has also contributed significantly to its develop- ment. The journal has been instrumental in shedding light on the flora of karstic and arid regions, particularly in southern Europe, and has facilitated critical discussions on emerging topics in plant ecology, taxonomy, physiology, and molecular biology. By consistently upholding rigorous peer- review standards and embracing technological advance- ments in scholarly publishing, the journal has remained at the forefront of scientific dissemination. The success of Acta Botanica Croatica is largely attrib- uted to the dedication and expertise of its editors over the past century. Each editor has played a crucial role in shap- ing the journal’s identity, ensuring its scientific rigour, and expanding its reach. We acknowledge their invaluable con- tributions: Vale Vouk (1925–1956), Stjepan Horvatić (1957– 1968), Ljudevit Ilijanić (1969–1992), Ljerka Marković (1993– 1997), Damir Viličić (1998–2013), Branka Salopek-Sondi (2014–2018), Nenad Jasprica (2019–2025), and Mirta Tkalec (2022–present day). As we look to the future, Acta Botanica Croatica remains steadfast in its mission to advance botanical knowledge, support interdisciplinary collaboration, and provide a dis- tinguished platform for researchers worldwide. The 100th anniversary of the journal is not just a commemoration of its rich history but also an inspiration for continued scien- tific progress. We extend our deepest gratitude to all editors, reviewers, authors, and readers who have contributed to the journal’s enduring success. With great anticipation, we embark on the next century of Acta Botanica Croatica, aiming to further strengthen its role as a hub for botanical research, expand collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines, and embrace emerging technologies in scholarly publishing. Our goal is to enhance both accessibility and impact while remaining dedicated to excellence in botanical research and global scientific ex- change. Acta Botanica Croatica Nenad Jasprica Mirta Tkalec Editors-in-Chief