An updated and reorganized electronic version of the author’s doctoral thesis, this work deals primarily with the palynology and palynotaxonomy of 5 genera: Adenoon Dalz. Elephantopus Linn., Lamprachaenium Benth. (1 species of each genus), 9 species of Centratherum Cass. and 29 species of Vernonia Schreb. The majority of these taxa are from the Western Ghats, one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems in peninsular India. In addition, certain micro-characters of florets and achenes (seeds) have been examined in order to identify the characters of taxonomic value for correlating them with the pollen types of Vernonieae in South India. A richly illustrated work, it includes drawings (6 pages), photographs (59 plates), light micrographs and scanning and transmission electron micrographs. The 42 pollen plates are provided with detailed explanations.

Keywords: pollen characters and evolution, micro-characters of florets and achenes, classification, keys, Vernonieae (Asteraceae), South India.