[2][3] It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa and is also known as giant diospyros,[4] or Kôforonto and Baforonto in local languages spoken in parts of Mali.

While usually not a common species, Diospyros abyssinica is widespread in Africa, ranging from Guinea to Eritrea, southwards to the area covered by the Flora Zambesiaca, and Angola.

Records of human consumption is lacking, but the sweet mesocarp under the tough epicarp might likely also be consumed by the local population, as in other African Diospyros species.

Besides the varied use of its hard and moderately heavy wood, which is lacking the dark colour and high durability of other Diospyros species, D. abyssinica is said to have medical properties.

[5] The tree is considered to be a traditional medicine by the Malian people of Sikasso region, and is used for treatments of various diseases.