Thulin, M. (1993) Abrus in M. Thulin (Ed.)Flora of Somalia 1: 393-394
Plants woody shrubs or lianas. Leaves evenly pinnate; leaflets numerous, opposite. Inflorescences axillary or terminal, clusters of small flowers, Calyces subtruncate to shortly 5-toothed. Fruits legumes, linear or oblong, usually compressed.
Abrus includes about 17 species which grow throughout the tropics.