Pollen of all the southern African members ofCanthium, KeetiaandPsydraxwas studied by means of LM, SEM and TEM. Palynologically these three genera can easily be distinguished from one another, exine structure and sculpturing being the most useful characters. The sexine is essentially perforate with short columellae not usually distinguishable in SEM in theCanthiumtype, coarsely reticulate with long columellae in theKeetiatype and more finely reticulate with short columellae in thePsydraxtype. PalynologicallyCanthiumsensu stricto (used here to refer to theCanthiumcomplex excludingPsydrax, KeetiaandPyrostria)is clearly distinct fromKeetiaandPsydrax, but similar to the other members of the Vanguerieae. This supports the proposed subdivision ofCanthiumsensu lato in southern Africa into these three genera. Differences amongst the variousCanthiumsensu stricto species suggest at least three different pollen sub‐types. Bridson's placement of C.inermeandC. suberosumin the subgenusLycioserissais supported by the pollen morphology. It is suggested that C.ciliatum, C. kuntzeanum, C. spinosumandC. vanwykiimay also belong to this subgenus. The following placements are supported by palynology:C. gilfillaniiandC. mundianumin the subgenusAfrocanthiumandC. setifloruminBullockia.