Cloves are the flower buds formed in the evergreen tree. The tree grows to a height of 10-12 m and starts flowering in about 7 years. It continues to produce flower buds for 80 or more years. It is a valuable spice of the orient. Clove clusters are plucked by hand when the buds are fully developed with a pronounced pink flush and then dried over several days in the sun. Unopened flower buds, leaves and stalks yields an essential oil.