Kirambu (Syzygium aromaticum)

Kirambu, laung in Hindi, is clove, the dried, unopened flower bud of an evergreen tree from the Moluccas in Indonesia. For centuries cloves grew only on a few islands, and European powers fought over them. Today Indonesia, Madagascar and Zanzibar are the main producers, and Indonesia uses most of its cloves in kretek cigarettes. In India small amounts are grown in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Botanical name: Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry
Family: Myrtaceae
Tamil: Kirambu
Hindi: Laung
Sanskrit: Lavaṅga
Parts used: Flower buds, Sometimes leaf and stem oil
Habit: Evergreen tropical tree; the spice is the dried flower bud
Last updated: 2026-10-30

How to recognise Kirambu

It is a slender evergreen tree, often eight to twelve metres, with a cone-shaped crown.

The leaves are glossy, aromatic and opposite, with a reddish tinge when young.

The flower buds grow in clusters at the branch tips, pale green turning pink before they open.

Buds are picked before opening and sun-dried until dark brown and hard.

Each dried clove has a long stem and a round head of folded petals.

Traditional use of Kirambu

Kitchen

Cloves flavour biryani, pulao, garam masala and chai.

Indian food practice

Household

A clove held against an aching tooth is a common home remedy for toothache.

Indian household practice

Ayurveda

Lavanga is used in Ayurveda for digestion and mouth complaints.

Ayurvedic practice

Modern notes on Kirambu

Eugenol, the main compound of clove oil, numbs pain and is used in dentistry.

Clove oil swallowed by small children has caused liver damage and seizures.

Cloves are among the richest food sources of antioxidant polyphenols.

Kirambu safety

Cloves are safe in cooking amounts. Keep clove oil away from children, and do not apply it repeatedly to gums for long periods.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia.

It needs a hot, humid climate near the sea.

Birds and bees visit flowers left unpicked.

Related plants

Also in Myrtaceae

Questions about Kirambu

Is a clove a seed?

No. It is a dried flower bud.

Why does clove help toothache?

Eugenol numbs pain.

Is clove oil safe?

It is toxic if swallowed by children.

Where do cloves come from?

Originally the Maluku Islands of Indonesia.

Are cloves grown in India?

Yes, in small amounts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.