Synopsis Continuing with the present series on Flora of India, the editors now take pleasure in presenting the volume on Asteraceae, one of the largest flowering plant families in India, comprising about 1052 taxa in 161 genera (excluding the cultivated ones). In view of its large size the treatment is being presented in two volumes, i.e. Volumes 12 and 13. The entire family is treated under 12 tribes, viz. Anthemideae, Astereae, Calenduleae, Cardueae, Cichorieae, Eupatorieae, Heliantheae, Inuleae, Mutisieae, Senecioneae, Tageteae and Vernonieae. Some of the tribes, such as Cichorieae and Senecioneae, have been further segregated into a number of subtribes. While the delimitation of the tribes has been based on phylogenetic considerations, they are arranged in alphabetical sequence in conformity with the format adopted in the preceeding volumes. Similarly, the subtribes, genera, sections, species and infraspecific categories have been arranged alphabetically under respective tribe, subtribe, genus, section or species. The Volume 12 deals with 525 species in 105 genera and 7 tribes, whereas the remaining taxa would constitute the volume 13.