Clove, flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum (Eugenia carophyllata) tropical evergreen tree Native to Moluccas or Spice Islands, Indonesia. Dutch controlled trade during 1600s. In 1700s French smuggled out plants and broke monopoly. Clove used a flavouring in cooking. Oil of cloves used for pain relief in toothache, in germicides and perfumes. Hand-coloured engraving. Photo via Newscom