They produce colourful brick-red to scarlet samaroid fruit, typical of their genus, which turn brown with age.

The species may be confused with Caesalpinia decapetala, which however has larger yellow flowers, and clusters of brown seed pods.

The shrubs are planted to provide impenetrable live fences, and shoots are collected for livestock fodder.

In Ethiopia an infusion of the pounded bark has been used as a component in tanning leather, while providing it with a red colour.

[1] The leaves contain 20% tannin and yield a dark red dye when crushed, which has been used in textiles, basketry and as an ingredient in black ink.