Hortiforum

General Info – Clove, Tropical Myrtle, Zanzibar Redhead

Cloves, an ancient spice native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, historically known as the Spice Islands, were one of the key spices in the historic Spice Trade. Cloves are the dried flower buds, particularly the unopened ones, which are highly valued. Clove trees belong to the well-known Syzygium genus, making them related to the Jambolan Plum, Wax Jambu, Lipote, Malay Apple, and the common ornamental Lilly Pilly species. The species name of cloves, Aromaticum, aptly reflects their unique flavour and aroma, which combine elements of sweetness and bitterness. Cloves are widely used across the globe in both sweet and savoury dishes. They are commonly added as a spice in curries and biryanis or traditionally used to stud and flavour baked hams. Cloves also pair well with fruits such as Apples, particularly when stewed together with Cinnamon, and with Pears, which can be poached and covered with a sweet, clove-spiced glaze. Cloves can be infused into red wine to make spiced or mulled wine, or included in a Masala Chai spiced blend to create a beloved hot, milky tea. Additionally, studding an Orange with Cloves creates a fragrant pomander.
Native to the ultratropical rainforests of the Maluku Islands, which are also the source of the famous spice Nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans), Cloves strongly prefer a tropical climate and have little tolerance for cool temperatures. They thrive in deep, fertile, well-draining loam soil, as they cannot tolerate waterlogging but prefer consistently moist conditions. An acidic or slightly acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5 is ideal. Young Clove plants benefit from partial shade but mature into full sun. Cloves require plentiful rainfall although flowering is prompted by a short dry season. Though slow-growing, Clove trees are long-lived and begin full production after 20 years.
Clove trees mature into beautiful specimens, growing up to 15 metres tall with a wide, pyramidal canopy. In some cases, they can even reach heights of 20 metres. The leathery, glossy leaves are aromatic when crushed. Clove trees produce terminal panicles with dense clusters of colorful flower buds. If the buds are not harvested and are allowed to flower, the flowers become quite ornamental, with a profusion of white stamens contrasting against the dark red to crimson base.

Plant Profile/Properties