Syzygium aromaticum – Plant Profile
You may have never heard of the plant Syzygium aromaticum however, if you like to cook you are probably familiar ‘Cloves’. Syzygium aromaticum is a native to Indonesia and is the ‘clove plant’.
Syzygium aromaticum is a medium sized evergreen tree that requires a moist tropical climate. The flower buds are dried and are the ‘cloves’ used widely in cooking around the world. Oil is also extracted and used in aromatherapy as well as in Ayurvedic treatments. Widely used as a remedy for colds, sore throats and toothache, also for hay fever.
This is an attractive tree in itself, reaching 6 – 10m in height. They grow best as an understory plant in sub tropical climates. Frost tender and Syzygium aromaticum requires a moist well drained soil to grow well.
The flowers form and the small fruits that follow are usually allowed to mature on the tree and fall to the ground naturally.
You can grow Clove Plants from fresh seed, however only fresh moist seeds show any real prospect of germination.
Care
This is a plant that requires a tropical climate to thrive and produce flowers that are used as a spice or herb.
- Sunny position.
- Moisture through the year.
- High Humidity.
- Rich fertile soil and regular applications of fertiliser.
- Position protected from strong winds to encourage pollination and good flower formation.
At time of publishing:
Syzygium aromaticum is not readily available in Australian Nurseries.
Know of a supplier – Let us know…….