TopTropicals Plant Catalog

This catalog is for information only. If you don't see the price - the plant is not for sale.

click on image to enlarge

Pictogram Guide you may also see symbol definition in a pop-up window by mouse-pointing on pictogram

Switch to Russian

Syzygium aromaticum, Caryophyllus aromaticus, Eugenia caryophyllata, Eugenia caryophyllus Family: Myrtaceae Clove, Cloves Origin: Moluccas - Eastern Indonesia This is an ultra-tropical tree which will not surivive temperatures below 50F, or above 100F. Requires a humid, warm tropical climate with lots of water year-round. The Latin word 'Clavus' means nail shaped, referring to the bud. This is a medium sized tree up to 20-40ft tall. It has bright green leaves and nail-shaped rose-peach flower which turns, upon drying, a deep red brown. The dried flower buds of this tree are the cloves of commerce. All parts of the tree are highly aromatic. It was an important commodity in the spice trade. It is still much used in perfumes, liqueurs, and love potions. Dried flower buds are used as a spice, and medicinally for countless things. Clove was much used by the Greeks, Roman and the Chinese for its medicinal value. The Chinese used it to ease toothache and as a breath sweetener, especially when talking to the Emperor. Clove has antiseptic properties and was use in the prevention of contagious diseases, such as the Plaque. Clove oil has a strong, spicy smell. It is extracted from the leaves, stem and buds, yet it is only the clove bud oil which is used in aromatherapy. During the Han dynasty (207 B. C. to 220 A. D.) those who addressed the Chinese emperor were required to hold cloves in their mouths to mask bad breath. Traditional Chinese physicians have long used the plant to treat almost eveyrthing. India's traditional Ayurvedic healers have used clove since ancient times to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. Clove first arrived in Europe around the 4th century A.D. as a highly coveted luxury. The medieval German herbalists used cloves as part of anti-gout mixture. Contemporary herbalists recommend clove for digestive complaints and its oil for toothache. Placing a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and then placing it in a linen cupboard will not only fragrance the cupboard, but may help to keep fish moths at bay. Oil shouldn't be used in massaging or in baths, it may irritate the skin and mucus membranes. Link to this plant: http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/syzygium_aromaticum.htm

Dried flower buds