Illicium verum Seeds | Star Anise
LATIN NAME: Illicium verum
COMMON NAME: Star Anise
Plant Profile
Star Anise (Illicium verum) is an evergreen tree. Star anise is spice that looks like a little eight-pointed star. Dried, star-shaped fruit is one of great spices of warm regions, with fine, warm, anise-like scent that made it famous. Tree is a fine, handsome, long-lived addition to warm, sheltered garden. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers freely through the season. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
Illicium verum sits in the Illicium group, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Star anise holds a steady position in plant science, and tree has been studied for curious, star-shaped fruit and fine, warm, anise-like scent of its oils. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Star Anise works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Star anise pays its way in kitchen and beyond. Dried, star-shaped fruit is one of great spices of warm regions, used in broths, curries, baked goods and mulled drinks, and fine, aromatic oil has a long record of use in household practice of the region. Glossy, evergreen tree is also a fine, handsome addition to warm, sheltered garden, and small, greenish-yellow flowers add their own quiet charm. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Star anise is a global spice and a strategic medicine crop: its shikimic acid is the industrial starting material for the flu drug oseltamivir, Tamiflu. Only true Illicium verum is safe; its Japanese cousin is toxic.
Growing from Seed
Star Anise grows readily from seed. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Star Anise has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Star Anise is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
Related Reading
If Star Anise appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: