Its wood has the same properties as other ebony species. In general, it is the black heartwood, sometimes veined, very hard and tight grained, that is used for making small, fine objects, toys, tool handles, musical instruments, etc.
Its black-fleshed, very sweet fruit is edible. It is mixed with orange juice and cinnamon. In Mexico and some other countries, the fruit is made into jams or fermented to produce a brandy-like liquor. The fruit is especially popular in Mexico.