No images found for this plant ID: 22837.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "22837" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
staranise tree
Scientific Name: Illicium verum
Family: Illiciaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Star Anise (Illicium verum)
Star anise is a fascinating spice derived from a beautiful and intriguing plant. Let's explore the botanical details of this aromatic treasure.
Common Names
- Star Anise
- Star Anise Seed
- Chinese Star Anise
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Illicium verum
- Family: Illiciaceae (formerly sometimes placed in Magnoliaceae)
- Synonyms: Chinese Anise Tree
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to northeast Vietnam and southwest China.
- Today it is grown almost exclusively in southern China, Indo-China, Japan, Laos, the Philippines and Indonesia.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- An evergreen tree that can grow up to about 45 feet tall, though typically smaller (described as small to medium, reaching approximately 5 meters/16 feet).
- Has glossy foliage.
- Flowers are small and greenish-white to pink or purple with a central boss.
- The "star anise" spice is the dried, immature fruit, typically star-shaped with 5-10 pointed, boat-shaped sections.
Ecological Role
- The tree thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 9.
- Highly adaptable star anise (Illicium parviflorum) grows in full sun or deep shade, does well in wet soil or dry, can take the heat and is cold-tolerant.
Uses
- Cultivated for its aromatic fruits, which are used to produce a spice with a flavor similar to aniseed.
- Important spice in Chinese cuisine.
Considerations for Pets
- Note that Japanese Star Anise (Illicium anisatum) is highly toxic and should not be confused with Illicium verum.
Quirky Facts
- Star anise trees take at least 6 years to fruit when grown from seed.
- The fruits, often called "seeds," are picked unripe while still green.
- Despite the name and similar flavor, star anise is not related to anise.