Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum hey are native to the Maluku Islands(or Moluccas) in Indonesia, and are commonly used as a spice, flavoring, or fragrance in consumer products Originating in Indonesia, cloves are dried flower buds from the clove tree. They are a popular spice that people use in soups, stews, meats, sauces, and rice dishes.