The paper reviews the past and present of the CBS. Since its establishment, it has in - fluenced the field of botany in the country by acting as a link between academics, students and amateur botanists. The founders and other prominent figures are commemorated. At present, the main CBS activities include the publication of journals (Preslia, Bulletin of the CBS, Bryonora) and the organization of Floristry Summer Schools and regular conferences and lectures. and Lubomír Hrouda.