Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. Cloves are native to the Maluku islands in Indonesia and used as a spice in cuisines all over the world. Cloves are harvested primarily in Indonesia; India; Madagascar; Zanzibar; Pakistan; and Sri Lanka. They have a numbing effect on mouth tissues.

The clove tree is an evergreen that grows to a height ranging from 8-12 m; having large leaves and sanguine 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 center. Pictures From History