Clove
Syzygium aromaticumfam. Myrtaceae
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Pl. F300 — Syzygium aromaticum
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IOverview
Overview
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is native to the Maluku islands, where it thrives in a warm, tropical environment with moist conditions and partial shade. This tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and is known for its distinctive, spicy aroma and flavor. Clove has both culinary and medicinal uses; its flowers and fruit are edible, often used to enhance the taste of dishes or brewed into teas. In traditional medicine, clove is valued for its ability to aid digestion and alleviate nausea, though it should be used sparingly due to its strong nature. Its light requirements range from full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable in various garden settings while preferring well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with moderate moisture.
Quick answers
What is Clove?
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is native to the Maluku islands, where it thrives in a warm, tropical environment with moist conditions and partial shade. This tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and is known for its distinctive, spicy aroma and flavor.
What is Clove used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Clove
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional use: clove for nausea + sluggish digestion. Use sparingly.
Eugenol
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Ease
digestiontea
Traditional use for aiding digestion and alleviating nausea.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Clove thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that is well-draining, preferring light (sandy) or medium textures. It grows best in hardiness zones 11-12 but can be found in temperate regions as an ornamental. Clove trees can reach a height of 20 meters and are known for their edible flowers and fruit. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist to support healthy growth, though overwatering should be avoided.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
11-12
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Clove for the first time
8steps
Start with a small clove tree in a container for easy care and observe its growth.
- 1
What you'll need
A young clove tree, well-draining potting mix, and a large container.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the clove in spring when temperatures are consistently above 20°C (68°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a container with good drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the young clove tree from its nursery pot into your prepared container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot, ideally full sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade during hot afternoons and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly to shape the tree and remove any dead or damaged branches. Harvest flowers and fruits as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing in full sun without partial shade, not providing enough drainage, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruit
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment, Tea
Other uses:CosmeticEssential OilPest controloilFragranceTeeth
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 9 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native· 9 introduced
Africa4 regions
introduced (4)ComorosMadagascarSeychellesTanzania
Broader regions
native:Maluku
introduced:Gulf of Guinea Is., Nicobar Is., Caroline Is., Trinidad-Tobago, Borneo
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Myrtaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Myrtaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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