It is found throughout the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and South Asia.

Goats use the young trees and shoots as fodder, although the leaves contain tannin.

The tree has a symmetrical growth habit and can easily be shaped into a variety of different forms.

It can be shaped into short and tall hedges, and is effective for creating a visual or a noise barrier.

With suitable plant spacing it can also be grown as a hardy single-stemmed tree which is good for shade.