The Whole Clove is shaped like a small, reddish-brown spike, usually around 1 centimeter in length, with a bulbous top. Cloves can be used whole or ground, and they have a very strong, pungent flavor and aroma. Cloves are a spice made from the flower buds of an evergreen tree called, appropriately enough, the clove tree. The cloves can release some of their oil when squeezed with a fingernail. The Whole Clove is very aromatic and easy to use.