Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum, syn. Eugenia aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllata) are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. Cloves are native to Indonesia and used as a spice in cuisine all over the world. The name derives from French clou, a nail, as the buds vaguely resemble small irregular nails in shape. Cloves are harvested primarily in Indonesia, Madagascar, and Zanzibar, ; it is also grown in India called Lavang , Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The clove tree is an evergreen which grows to a height ranging from 10-20 m, having large oval leaves and crimson flowers in numerous groups of terminal clusters. The flower buds are at first of a pale color and gradually become green, after which they develop into a bright red, when they are ready for collecting. Cloves are harvested when 1.5-2 cm long, and consist of a long calyx, terminating in four spreading sepals, and four unopened petals which form a small ball in the centre.

Clove Plant and Seed

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum, syn. Eugenia aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllata) are the aromatic dried…

"Cloves are the flower-buds of the Clove-tree. The genus to which this tree belongs is of the natural order Myrtaceae; the calyx has a cylindrical tube and 4-cleft border; the corolla consists of four petals united by their tips; the stamens are in four clusters; and the fruit is an oblong dry berry with one or two cells and as many seeds." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Cloves

"Cloves are the flower-buds of the Clove-tree. The genus to which this tree belongs is of the natural…

Section of the fruit of the Apple Guava (Psidium guayava), a small tree in the Myrtaceae family.

Apple Guava

Section of the fruit of the Apple Guava (Psidium guayava), a small tree in the Myrtaceae family.

A flowering branch of the Blue Gum Tree (Eucalyptus globulus), a tree in the Myrtaceae family of evergreen plants.

Blue Gum

A flowering branch of the Blue Gum Tree (Eucalyptus globulus), a tree in the Myrtaceae family of evergreen…

Pictured are the orders of Lecythidaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Combretaceae, Myrtaceae, and Melastomaceae. The flowers of these orders that are illustrated include (1) lecythis, (2) rhizophora, (3) combretum, (4) jambosa, (5) eucalyptus, and (6) melastoma.

Orders of Lecythidaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Combretaceae, Myrtaceae, and Melastomaceae

Pictured are the orders of Lecythidaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Combretaceae, Myrtaceae, and Melastomaceae.…

"Myrtle is a genus of plants, natural order Myrtaceæ, consisting of aromatic trees or shrubs, with simple opposite leaves sprinkled with pellucid glandular points, and having axillary or terminal white or rose colored flowers. One species, common myrtle, is a native of the south of Europe and countries bordering on the Mediterranean."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Myrtle

"Myrtle is a genus of plants, natural order Myrtaceæ, consisting of aromatic trees or shrubs,…

The Myrtle (Myrtus) is a genus of one or two species of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae, native to southern Europe and north Africa. They are evergreen shrubs or small trees, growing to 5 m tall. The leaves are entire, 3-5 cm long, with a fragrant essential oil. The star-like flowers have five petals and sepals, and numerous stamens. Petals are usually white. The fruits are globose blue-black berries containing several seeds. The flowers are pollinated by insects, and the seeds dispersed by birds that feed on the berries.

Myrtle

The Myrtle (Myrtus) is a genus of one or two species of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae, native…

"Myrtle is a genus of plants, natural order Myrtaceæ, consisting of aromatic trees or shrubs, with simple opposite leaves sprinkled with pellucid glandular points, and having axillary or terminal white or rose colored flowers. One species, common myrtle, is a native of the south of Europe and countries bordering on the Mediterranean."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Myrtle Flower

"Myrtle is a genus of plants, natural order Myrtaceæ, consisting of aromatic trees or shrubs,…