Taxonomy

Syzygium aromaticum is an evergreen tree growing to 10–20m, with the following characteristics:

leaves are opposite, egg-shaped to elliptic 6–13cm by 3–6cm
flower buds are 1–2cm long
the hypanthium is surrounded with 4 thick divergent sepals and a dome-shaped corolla
the stamens are numerous and showy
fruit is a small, dark red-coloured berry, 2–2.5cm long

Synonyms for Syzygium aromaticum include:

From the Latin carminare - to cleanse. A soothing medicament that acts by relieving stomach and intestinal pain.

Floral structure in which the sepals, petals and stamens are fused together.

Soil rich in iron and aluminium and formed in hot and wet tropical areas.