Clove varieties

Kanyakumari district, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu (Maramalai, Blackrock Hill, Velimalai; Veerapuli Reserve Forest, Mahendragiri tracts) · Maramalai and Blackrock Hill Planters Associations / ICAR institutes · 2019 (GI registration)

Unusually high volatile-oil content (around 21%, against typical 18%) yielding approximately 86% eugenol. Slow sun-drying in cool mountain air at 400–900 m altitude locks in oil. The only Indian clove with an official Geographical Indication.

Southern Western Ghats homesteads—Kanyakumari, Tenkasi (Tamil Nadu); Idukki, high ranges (Kerala); Nilgiris · Farmer selection, centuries of local cultivation · Pre-colonial, continuously maintained

Well adapted to local micro-climates and agroforestry systems under arecanut, jackfruit and other shade trees. Fresh seed from local trees used for propagation.

Zanzibar and Pemba islands, Tanzania (introduced from Mauritius/Seychelles via French trade, established in Zanzibar by 1812) · Commercial industry selection, no single breeder · Established 1812 onward in Zanzibar

Robust, reliable cropping; large, uniform buds. A dominant global trade standard—the benchmark for commercial clove. Higher yields than forest landraces under managed plantation conditions.

Penang and Perak, Malaysia (introduced from Indonesia; first plantations at Balik Pulau, 1794) · Malaysian growers, British East India Company planters · 1794 onward (formal plantations established)

Noted as a distinct commercial type in Southeast Asian trade. Higher-yielding than some Indonesian forest types under managed conditions. A reference point for comparing Indian forest clove with modern commercial systems.

Maluku Islands, Indonesia (the centre of origin) · Indigenous growers of the Spice Islands · Pre-colonial, continuously maintained

Part of the genetic diversity preserved at the centre of clove origin. Reportedly produces smaller buds with excellent oil quality. Important for understanding clove domestication and breeding.

Maluku Islands, Indonesia (Ternate region traditionally) · Indigenous growers of Ternate · Pre-colonial, continuously maintained

A white or pale-bud variant historically distinct from darker cloves; possibly a maturity stage or genetic variant. Rarely seen in modern trade; mainly of botanical interest.

Idukki district, Kerala high ranges (800–1200 m altitude) · Farmer selection and local adaptation · Continuous cultivation; origin date unknown

Grown at exceptionally high altitude within Indian clove zones, benefiting from cooler temperatures and constant mist. Slow bud maturation and drying in cool conditions may enhance oil retention.

Tenkasi and Puliyangudi taluks, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu (Western Ghats foothills) · Farmer selection, generations of local cultivation · Continuous cultivation; pre-modern origin

Grown in the foothills and lower slopes of the Ghats, with a distinct micro-climate between Kanyakumari and the Nilgiris. May develop different oil profiles due to local soil and weather patterns.

Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu (high-altitude blue mountains, up to ~1000 m) · Farmer selection and plantation heritage · Continuous cultivation; colonial-era introductions adapted locally

Grown on the Nilgiri plateau at high altitude with cool temperatures and high rainfall. Slow growth and maturation may produce more concentrated buds, though yields are lower.

Madagascar (introduced from Zanzibar/Indian Ocean islands in early 19th century) · Commercial industry selection, no single breeder · Early 19th century onward

Madagascar is one of the world's top clove producers, with distinctive terroir-influenced buds. Different soil and climate from Zanzibar produce slightly different oil profiles. A reference type for comparing island-grown clove.

Sri Lanka (introduced from Indonesia or Zanzibar in colonial era; cultivation established 19th century onward) · Sri Lankan growers and plantation industry · 19th century onward

Sri Lanka is a secondary but important clove producer with good yields and consistent quality. Grown under coconut and mixed shade in plantation systems. A reference type for tropical plantation clove.

Throughout Western Ghats (Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Idukki, Nilgiris, high ranges) · Generations of smallholder farmers · Continuous cultivation, origin pre-colonial

Not a single cultivar but a production system: clove grown as an intercrop with arecanut, jackfruit, pepper and spice bushes in mixed homestead gardens. This agroforestry approach is the authentic Indian model.

Grown throughout clove-producing regions worldwide; represents the genetic baseline · Nature; unselected seedling population · Continuous

The default propagation method in India and historically worldwide. Each seedling is genetically distinct, yielding tree-to-tree variation in vigor, bud size and oil content. This is why most Indian clove is genetically variable.