Thulin, M. (1999) Rhamnaceae in Flora of Somalia 2: 150-156
Plants trees or shrubs, unarmed. Leaves (in African species) opposite or subopposite, with intrapetiolar stipules; blades entire, pinnately veined. Inflorescences (in African species) axiliary, of solitary flowers or of clusters of flowers. Flowers bisexual, 5-merous; receptacles flat; ovaries superior but sometimes partly enclosed by the nectary disc, 2-celled; styles short, 2-lobed. Fruits elongate drupes, each with a single, 2-celled, 2-seeded stone.
Berchemia includes 22 species, two in Africa, one in North America, and the remainder in southern Asia.