Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata has a wide range of medicinal uses. The leaves are used for eye infection; fresh leaves to relieve abdominal troubles. The different parts of the plants (roots, bark, leaves and fruits) are used in different forms, alone or sometimes in combination. A small handheld wooden implement known as Weger, often carried by pregnant women, is believed to have hidden powers in warding off evil spirits. The tree bark is used in bone-setting, headache and bladder infections. Clubs made from the tree are highly valued for their weight and colour. It also provides durable building materials. Apparently, it is declining in number. All the individuals seen during the study are old, showing de-barked trunks. The fruits are popular with people and animals. Leaves are browsed by camels. Pastoralists also lop the branches for goats and cattle

In November 2021, the IUCN did not have a rating for Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata. Despite this, its declining abundance in Somaliland, combined with its many ethnobotanical uses, makes it of concern to farmers and pastoralists in Somaliland.

M. Thulin (2006) 3: 260-262

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata is native through from southern Africa, through Arabia and southern Pakistan to southwestern China. It differs from the cultivated olive, Olea europaea subp, europaea, in having drupes only 5-7 mm long and in being less fleshy.  

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata is an evergreen tree, 5-8m high; with grey-green to shiny dark leaves.

In Africa, it is commonly known as wild olive. Olea africana, Olea europaea subsp. africana, and Olea somaliensis are now considered synonyms of Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata. See also de Casas et al. (2006).