Family: Myrtaceae
Common names: Clove, Karayampoovu, Karayampoo, Laung, Lavang, Lavangam, Cengkih, Clavos de olor
Clove is a tropical evergreen tree that is commonly found in all parts of India, grown for its aromatic flower buds that are used in cooking, and also for making toothpaste, soap, and cosmetics.
They are native to the Maluku Islands or Moluccas, known as the Spice Islands of Indonesia, but archaeological evidences suggest that they have been used everywhere in Asia for as far back as 200 BC.
Tree Characteristics
Clove trees grow to a height of 10-12 meters with thick, brown trunks that are heavily branched. The trunk is rough and rugged, with lichens growing in plenty when the atmosphere is not polluted.
Leaves of the Clove tree are elliptical in shape with a smooth, glossy texture. Each leaf is 10-15 cm long with a pointed tip. Young tender leaves are pale red in color and make the tree look beautiful even when it is not in bloom.
Leaves and bark are lightly aromatic, the leaves containing oil glands that produce essential oils used in cosmetic industry. Clove tree leaves look like small, mop-like clusters at the ends of long, brown branches with a few green leaves and a few tender, pinkish-red leaves.
Flowers are the most prized part of the plant, especially the flower buds before they bloom fully. Dried flower buds are what we call Cloves, the actual aromatic spice used very commonly in combination with cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and cardamom in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
These flower buds are bright pinkish-red initially, and turn brown when they dry, with their characteristic color and aroma. They are 1-2 cm long with a tubular base, 5 sepals, and 5 unopened petals that look like a small dome.
If the flower buds are not harvested, they turn into beautiful flowers that have a bright red base and a tuft of white stamens on top. In fact, they look like coral structures with their bright color and pom-pom-like stamens.
Flowering happens from September to January, sometimes in 2 cycles and it is heavily dependent on the weather. Clove trees bloom at different times of the year in different countries, and hence these spices are available throughout the year.
Clove flowers are also aromatic like the leaves, buds, and bark. A specific essential oil called Eugenol is what gives the cloves their intense, deep, sweet-spicy aroma and flavor. Flowers are pollinated after which they produce small berry-like fruits that contain a single seed.
Gardening Tips
Clove trees are good for home gardens, parks, and public spaces since they are evergreen with bright green foliage, and pinkish-red tender leaves. They need good sunlight, rainfall, and humidity, which are typical of tropical countries.
These trees grow well in high altitudes of 500 to 2000 feet above sea level, and need slightly acidic, well-draining soil. These trees should be planted in soil that is rich in organic matter and added fertilizer. They only start flowering after 5-7 years of growth, so patience is essential to growing the Clove tree.
Like with most trees, watering should be done regularly when the trees are small, and also during peak summer months. During other times, their deep tap roots can draw essential water from the soil.
Make sure the trees are planted 8-10 meters apart so that each tree has the space to grow and flourish. Pruning can be done during the initial years to maintain the shape of the tree. Pesticide application is usually not needed since these sturdy trees are resistant to pest infestations.
Uses of Clove
Clove is a very popular spice and aromat used in pulav, flavored rice, meat dishes, and even some desserts. They are added to hot beverages like tea along with other spices to enhance the flavor and bring in some heat.
This versatile spice is used in Asian, African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine quite extensively and is a staple spice readily available in most homes. Garam masala, a very common ingredient of many Indian curries is made by blending cumin, cardamom, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise.
Cloves have pain-releiving properties and hence they are used in toothpastes and gels that relieve toothache. In olden days, people would bite or chew on cloves to relieve tooth pain. Clove oil has anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties, Hence, it is used to treat pain, swelling, and arthritis.
Parts of the plant are used in treating cough, cold, and respiratory ailments since tea made with spices like clove can soothe sore throat and clear chest congestion.
They make excellent ornamental trees because of their beautiful foliage and bright red flowers. Cloves were one of the earliest spices to be traded across the world. Fortunes were made and empires were built on spice trade.
Propagation of Clove
Propagation is through seeds, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Though propagation is possible through seeds, they are usually not available since the flower are harvested while they are buds. Germination rate is also quite low, and hence seed propagation is not very commonly used.
Propagation through stem cuttings and grafting is more reliable and quick.
Photographed at: Kings Flora Organic Farm Resort, Wayanad
