Thulin, M. (1993) Vahliaceae in Flora of Somalia 1: 340-341
Plants annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs. Leaves oppositie, without stipules, sessile or subsessile; blades simple. Inflorescences axillary, consisting of pairs of flowers. flowers radially symmetric, bisexual, 5-merous, epigynous; sepals valvae; petals free, valvate; stamens 5, inserted on the margins o f the nectary discs, free; ovaries inferior, 1-celled, with numerous ovules; styles 2, spreading; stigmas capitate. Fruits capsules, dehiscing by 2 valves between the style bases; seeds oblong, minute.
The family Vahliaceae includes only one genus Vahlia. It is basically an African genus but 2 of its 5 species extent to India and beyond.