Thulin, M. (1999) Opiliaceae in Flora of Somalia 2: 129-130
Plants trees, shrubs, or lianas, sometimes root parasites. Leaves alternate, without stipules; blades simple, entire. Inflorescences axillary racemes or umbels. Flowers small, radially symmetric, bisexual; calyces inconspicuous or obsolete; petals valvate; stamens as many as and opposite the petals; anthers with longitudinal dehiscence; discs staminal, entire or lobed;; ovaries superior, 1-celled. with 1 pendulous ovule. Fruits drupes; seeds large; embryos small, with 3-4 cotyledons embedded in abundant endosperm.
The family Opiliaceae includes about 10 genera and 30 species. It is widely distributed in the topics.
One genus, Opilia, is present in Somaliland. There are no records of the family from Somalia.