The species is reputed to be one of the best fuel species in the world.  Altitude ranges from 0 to 1,400m above sea level, mean annual temperatures of 10 - 35 deg. C and mean annual rainfall of 200 - 3500 mm annually.
Soil type: Soils are invariably well-drained and rather coarse textured mainly sands and sand loams. The species is tolerant to both calcareous and slightly alkaline soils but is intolerant of prolonged water logging and may fail on poor sands where the subsoil moisture conditions are unsatisfactory.
It takes 5 - 6 yrs to mature.

USES

• Fuel: It is highly regarded wood igniting readily even when green, and ashes retain heat for long periods (burns very well)
• Timber: Yields heavy hardwood for furniture, poles (for house construction), posts, boat building (dhow masts) and tool handles
• Fiber: Used in paper making rayon fibers.
• Tannin or dyestuffs: Its bark is a source of tannin
• Medicine: Root extracts are used in the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea and stomach-ache.