When we think about the Amazon forest as a space for studies and reflections, we commonly dialogue about current extractive activities. Although such debates are essential, it is important to remember that exploratory practices in the Amazon are much older and more tragic than they seem at first glance. Throughout this article, we will present the process of exploitation and extinction of one of the species that most translates what was the derogatory and colonizing extraction of the current Brazilian Amazon. Popularly known as pau-cravo and found in abundance during the 18th century, Dicypellium caryophyllaceum is currently on the list of Brazilian endangered species. Our intention, with this study, is to understand the immense impact that Portuguese colonization had on the Amazon rainforest since the 18th century. For this, we have a series of records from the period that reveal the history of this exploration. Letters, treaties, travelers' reports and official documents are some of our sources. Beside them, several bibliographical references help us understand how and why the "land spices" reached such high values and moved the Old World market so much.