Clove/Lobongo Healthy Spice Fruit Plant & Tree (1.5-3.5 Ft H..More

Clove Plant Description

The clove plant (Syzygium aromaticum) is a medium-sized, evergreen tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It is native to the Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) of Indonesia and is cultivated in several tropical regions for its aromatic flower buds, which are dried and used as the spice clove.

Botanical Characteristics:
Height: Typically 8–12 meters (26–40 feet); can reach up to 15 meters (50 feet).

Trunk and Bark: Straight trunk with grayish, smooth bark; branches are dense and spread widely.

Leaves: Opposite, glossy, dark green, elliptical to ovate, and aromatic when crushed. They measure about 8–12 cm long.

Flowers: Small, grouped in terminal clusters. They start pale, turn green, and then bright red when ready to be harvested. The unopened flower buds are the commercially valuable cloves.

Fruits: Known as clove apples or mother-of-clove, these are fleshy and purplish when mature but are not commonly used.

Growing Conditions:
Climate: Tropical; warm and humid environments are ideal.

Soil: Deep, rich, well-drained loamy soil with good organic content.

Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun.

Water: Requires regular rainfall or irrigation; sensitive to drought.

Uses:
Spice: Dried flower buds (cloves) are used in cooking, baking, spice blends, and beverages for their strong, warm, sweet aroma.

Medicinal: Known for antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties—especially clove oil, which is used in dental care and traditional medicine.

Aromatic: Used in perfumes, cosmetics, and incense.

Cultural: Cloves have ceremonial importance in various cultures and traditional practices.

Let me know if you’d like a botanical illustration or a comparison with other spice plants like cinnamon or nutmeg!