The clove tree is a member of theMyrtacees family, Eugenia caryophyllus, indigenous to Indonesia (or more specificially , the Moluques Islands), In addition to the clove, the tree's leaces are exploited for an oil called eugenol. This oil is used to produce artificial vanilline. All or the tree's products, including the clove, leaves and branches are used for diverse medicinal products, perfumes, soaps, etc.
In Indonesia the clove is mixed with tobacco to flavor cigarettes (called Kretek).
Cloves are grown along the eastern coast of Madagascar, principally between Tamatave and Maroantsetra. The tree is very sensitive to rain before the harvest. The less it rains in september, october and november, the better the harvest will be in november and december.
The process to dry the cloves is finished when these one contain no more than 12 to 16% of water. We estimate the production as follow : For 1 metric ton of cloves harvested, we will have 780 to 800kg of fresh cloves and 200kg of fresh griffes, then after dessication, 230 to 240kg of dried cloves and 70 to 75kg of dried griffes.
Cloves might provide 16 to 20% of essential clove oil at 78 to 98% eugenol. Griffes might provide 4 to 6% of essential oil at 80-95% eugenol.
The seasons for exportation is between february and april