Family: Illiciaceae
Common Name: Aniseed Tree

Native to North America and Southeast Asia, this genus comprises around 40 species of evergreen shrubs grown for their striking, many-petalled, fragrant flowers and handsome foliage.

Species

I. anisatam, Chinese or Japanese anise, is an aromatic shrub or small tree, growing slowly to about 8 m (26 ft). The oval, thick, fleshy, pointed leaves are glossy, dark green and the pale yellow flowers are borne in spring, even when these plants are young. The bark from this species is dried and used for incense in its native homelands, and the flowering branches are often used to decorate Buddhist graves in Japan.

I. floridanum, purple anise, zone 9, from the south of North America, produces beautiful, star-shaped, deep purple flowers in early summer. It is a bushy, aromatic shrub, to about 3 m (10 ft), with deep green, lance-shaped, leathery leaves.

I. verum, star anise, is a slow-growing tree, growing to around 20 m (65 ft), with long leaves, about 15 cm (6 in) long, and whitish pink spring flowers, turning purple. The unripe fruit is the source of a spice used in Chinese cooking and a distilled oil which has a long history of medicinal use.

Cultivation

Grow illiciums in partial shade or full sun, ensuring the site is sheltered from cold winds. The soil should be acid or lime-free, well drained yet moisture-retentive, with plenty of humus. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering in spring.

Climate

Zone 8 for most species.