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'''The clove tree, botanically named ''Syzygium aromaticum'', is a member of the ''Myrtaceae'' family of evergreen trees, which typically grows in a humid tropical climate below 300m where there is no noticeable dry season. While clove farming has existed in Madagascar since 1820, clove became a number one cash-crop in in 1990, providing an important contribition contribution for Malagasy households, allowing farmers to supplement their incoming income during shortfalls in food production.'''

Clove originates from Maluku Island in Indonesia and was imported to Europe already in the 7th century. Upon discovery of Maluku Island by the PortugesePortuguese, the clove trade became monopolised by the Portugese Portuguese until driven out by the Dutch in the early 17th century. The trade thereafter became controlled by the Dutch until Pierre Poivre smuggled clove seedlings out of the country while organising expeditions on behalf of the French East India Company. Clove were was consequently brought to Mauritius in 1770 and thereafter to La Reunion island. The first plants appeared in Madagascar on Sainte Marie island in the 1820s.

By 1920/1930 Madagascar became a major producer and exporter of cloves and clove essential oil and is since the 1990s the world's leading exporter.

Clove production span along the east coast of Madagascar from Sambava to Fort Dauphin and especially throughout Analanjirofo (Malagasy for "clove-forest"), which makes up part of the Toamasina Province, including [[Tamatave]], [[Sainte Marie|Sainte Marie Island]] island (Île Sainte-Marie), [[Mananara]] and [[Fenoarivo Atsinanana]] (Fénérive or Fénérive-Est) and the [[Soanierana Ivongo]] district. About 90% of Madagascar's clove production is concentrated around Mananara, Soanierana Ivongo and Fénérive Est.

The plant flowers for the first time after 8-10 years and the trees are fully flowering at around 20 years. Cloves are the nail-like spikes which are unopened flower-buds. Branches of clustered flower-buds are removed from the stems, then handpicked and sun-dried. Clove harvesting in Madagascar takes place between October and January[[File:Madagascar_Cloves_017.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Syzygium aromaticum]]

The plant flowers for the first time after 8-10 years and the trees are fully flowering at around 20 years. Cloves are the nail-like spikes which are unopened flower-buds. The name derives from the Latin word ''clavus'', meaning nail. Branches of clustered flower-buds are removed from the stems, then handpicked and sun-dried. Clove harvesting in Madagascar takes place between October and March.<!-- fact-check--> Clove is have has a variety of culinary and non-culinary uses. As a spice, cloves are used in curries, spicy fruit cakesfruitcakes, sauerkraut and a wide range of cuisines as well as beverages, such as red winewines.

Cloves are Clove oil is widely used as a base in perfumes, for example in ''l'Air du Temps'' by Nina Ricci and ''Opium'' by Yves Sain-Laurent. Clove's main ingredient, eugenol, is a bioactive compound with anti-bacterial, fungicide, antiseptic, antioxidant, anaesthetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory effects. It is furthermore used in aromatherapy and various traditional, human and veterinary medicines including dentistry, toothpaste...  Eugenol can, however, be toxic in relatively small doses. A dose of 5-10ml has been reported to be nearly fatal for a two-year-old. Additionally, clove oil can be used as an ant and mosquito repellent. Clove is classified in three categories depending on harvesting and intended use: CGI - "Handpick", CG2 - "Prima", CG3 - "Courant" (ordinary), which applies to non-food use, such as the Indonesian ''kretek'' industry.

Clove's main ingriedientWhen exported, euganol, is a bioactive compound with anti-bacterial, fungicide, anticeptic, antioixidant, anaesthetic and analgesic effects. It is furthermore used cloves in aromatherapy, pharmacy, human the Prima category should have less than 16% moisture level and veterinary medicine including dentistry, toothpasteweight at least 70mg... Euganol can however be toxic in relatively small doses. A dose The right moisture level at the time of 5-10ml has been reported export is important to be nearly fatal for ensure minimum weight loss while the spice is on a two year oldshop shelf or kitchen cupboard without losing its spicy properties. Additionally, Well prepared and packaged clove oil can be used as an ant and mosquito repellentconsignment should remain in good condition for at least two years.

Clove is classified in three categories depending on harvesting and intended use: CGI Cloves from Madagascar are smaller than cloves from Sri- "Hand pick"Lanka for example, CG2 - "Prima"with Madagascar's cloves having a stronger flavour making them suited for cooking, CG3 while Sri- "Courant" (ordinary), which applied to non-food use, such as the Indonsian ''kretek'' industryLankan cloves may be better for decorative pomanders.