Shelter and shade provider
The black thorn may provide valuable shade for livestock when regularly pruned (Nonyane, 2013; Orwa et al., 2009).
Bush encroachment
Because they can form dense impenetrable thickets, black thorns may outcompete grasses in dry areas and become the only remaining species, causing a considerable reduction in seasonal grass yields (32-40% in Zimbabwe and 41% in the Eastern Cape) (Kraaij et al., 2006).