Thulin, M. (1993) Berberidaceae in Flora of Somalia 1: 25
Plants shrubs or herbs. Leaves alternate, whorled, or clustered, without stipules; blades simple or compound. Inflorescences of solitary flowers or clusters or racemes of panciles. , Flowers bisexual, radially symmetric, usually 3-merous. Sepals and petals usually similar, in 2-several series, free, imbricae or valvate, rarely absent; stamens 4-18, opposite the petals, free; anthers with 2 thecae, opening by valves; ovaries superior, 1-celled; ovules 1-many; styles short or absent, simple. Fruits usually berries, rarely achenes or capsules; seeds with copious endosperm, often with arils; embryos small.
The family Berberidaceae includes about 13 genera and 650 species. It is most widespread in temperate regions of the northern latitiudes.
Only one genus, Berberis, is known from Somaliland; no members of the family are known from Somalia.
