Irregularity of flowering of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum) is an important issue for this perennial crop in Madagascar and other producing countries. This species has not much been studied and the factors determining flowering are not known. Field observations suggest that flowering, which occurs in terminal position, is partly related to endogenous factors, as it has been shown for fruit crops such as apple and mango. The purpose of this work was to describe the vegetative and reproductive growth and the development of the clove tree, and to explore the relationships between vegetative traits and flowering. Three studies were carried out. First, vegetative and reproductive phenological stages were defined, based on morphological characteristics (shape, colour, texture) and, when possible, discontinuities of these characteristics. Second, leaf extension was measured in winter and in summer from early phenological stage to leaf maturity. Third, vegetative traits related to morphology and phenology were recorded on flowering and non-flowering axes in order to identify if flowering could be related to specific vegetative traits. Nine and eight phenological stages were described for vegetative and reproductive development, respectively. Leaf extension followed a sigmoid shape. The leaf absolute growth rate was related to the leaf phenological stage and was affected by the season. It was higher in summer than in winter and was surprisingly low for a tropical tree. Morphological and phenological differences were evidenced between flowering and non-flowering axes. In particular, a growth arrest seemed to be necessary, but not sufficient, for flowering. The results suggested that flowering depended on vegetative traits of the axis in the case of the clove tree.