Thulin, N. (1993) Polygalaceae in Flora of Somalia 1: 81-87
Plants herbs, woody climbers or small trees. Leaves usually alternate, stipules usually absent; blades simple, entire. Inflorescences lateral or terminal, usually racemose, rarely paniculate. Flowers bisexual, bilaterally symmetric; sepals 5, the lateral inner sepals often larger than the others and petaloid, the 2 lower 2 sometimes connate; petals 3-5, the lowermost enlarged to form a keel, often with a fringed appendage at the tip, the lateral petals often absent; stamens (3-)6-8(-10); filaments united into a sheath; ovaries superior 1-2(-8)-celled; ovules solitary, pendulous; styles terminal, simple. Fruits capsules, nuts, samara, or drupes; seeds often hairy and often with an aril, with or without endosperm; embryos straight.
The family Polygalaceae includes about 12 genera and 800 species. It is native to both tropical and temperate regions.
Only one genus, Polygala, grows in Somaliland and Somalia.