Clove, one of the most prized and expensive spices since ancient times, is native to Maluku Island in the Indonesian Archipelago. The exact manner in which cloves were introduced to Sri Lanka is unknown, although it is believed that either Arabs or colonists brought the crop to the island. In the past, Arabs dominated the trade, but during the Middle Ages, Portugal took over. Later on, the Spanish and Dutch dominated the trade as well.

Despite being native to Maluku Island, clove cultivation was introduced to Mauritius, Guiana, Zanzibar, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Brazil.

Clove trees require an annual rainfall of 1750mm to 2500mm, a temperature range of 20°C to 28°C, less wind, and a sea level of 1000m to grow well. While clove is a tropical evergreen tree that grows about 8-12 meters in height, its small reddish-brown flower buds are used as spice. The buds are handpicked in late summer and again in winter before being sun-dried. Clove is largely used as dried whole buds, ground clove for curry mixtures, and oil for flavoring foods and in the pharmaceutical and perfumery industries.

Clove is most famous for its ability to cure toothaches in an instant manner. Many people use raw clove for mouth perfumery.