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Star Anise
Illicium verum
γγ¦γ·γγ
An evergreen tree in the star anise family, native to southeastern China and northeastern Vietnam. Produces red flowers. The fruit, with 8 follicles arranged in a star shape, is the spice 'star anise' (ε «θ§/hakkaku) β essential in Chinese cuisine. Note: the closely related Japanese Illicium anisatum is highly toxic.
Identification Points
- βStar-shaped fruit with 8 follicles arranged radially
- βLeathery, glossy, elliptic leaves
- βRed flowers with many tepals
Habitat
Cultivated (China, Southeast Asia)
Season
March to May (flowers), September to October (fruit)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Elliptic
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Flower color
Red
Habitat
Cultivated
Phylogenetic Positionγγγγ΅η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Basal angiosperms > Austrobaileyales > Schisandraceae
Divergence Era
Early Cretaceous (ca. 120 Ma onwards)
Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification