Cloves, used as a spice, are derived from which of the following plant parts ?

Cloves are the dried, aromatic, unopened flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, a member of the Myrtaceae family [1][t1]. Native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, these evergreen trees are cultivated specifically for their buds, which are hand-picked just as they turn from pale green to a bright pinkish-red color before the flower actually opens [t4][t5]. If allowed to open, the bud loses its essential oil content and culinary value. Once harvested, these buds are sun-dried until they turn dark brown and resemble small nails [t5]. While the tree does produce small oblong fruits and seeds for propagation, these are distinct from the spice itself [t2][t8]. The characteristic aroma and flavor of cloves, used extensively in Indian cuisine and medicine, are concentrated in these dried floral structures [c1][c2].

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) > p. 65