Native to the Molucca Islands and the Southern Philippines, the Clove trees are small, bushy and evergreen, with shiny, leathery, lance-like leaves.  Fragrant, pink-white flowers that fall on opening and a tuft of yellow stamens are produced in late summer, followed by purple berries.

The undeveloped flowers are used for medicinal purposes and for digestive problems, helping the smooth muscle lining the digestive tract to relax.  Cloves also kill intestinal parasites and act as an anti-microbial agent against fungi and bacteria.  It has also been suggested that cloves have an antihistamine action.  Topically it is known best for its anesthetic properties. It is widely reported to be effective as a good topical anesthetic.  Clove oil has antimicrobial and anti fungal use and can be used for acne, warts, scars and parasites.  Research has shown that clove oil is also an effective mosquito repellent