Beautiful fruiting ornamental yielding the star anise, a spice commonly used in several Asian cuisines. Uses Plant Cultivation
Dried fruits are used as a spice to flavor curries, teas, and many other foods. It is also one of the ingredients in the traditional Chinese five-spice powder. The fruits are sometimes eaten alone as a breath freshener. The fruits also have a variety of alledged medicinal benefits. The leaves have an anise-like smell. Care should be taken as ingestion of large quantites of the fruits is said to be poisonous. Recently the star anise has become known as the source of shikimic acid, a primary ingredient of the pharmeceutical Tamiflu, an anti-influenza drug.
Description: A small tree to 15ft. It is related to the magnolia's and like its cousins, has pretty flowers and aromatic essential oils.
Growing Environment: Will grow well both in full sun or part shade. Also does very well in light, well-drained soil. Needs moist soil.
Hardiness: Hardy to the lower 20's (F).
Propagation: By seed.
Origin and Distribution
Native Range: Native China and Vietnam.
