A request that this article title be changed to Star anise is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
Illicium verum | |
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Illicium verum at the United States National Arboretum | |
Star anise fruits and seeds | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Order: | Austrobaileyales |
Family: | Schisandraceae |
Genus: | Illicium |
Species: | I. verum
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Binomial name | |
Illicium verum | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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Illicium verum (star anise or badian, Chinese star anise, star anise seed, star aniseed and star of anise) is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to South China and northeast Vietnam. Its star-shaped pericarps harvested just before ripening is a spice that closely resembles anise in flavor. Its primary production country is China, followed by Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.[2] Star anise oil is a highly fragrant oil used in cooking, perfumery, soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and skin creams. Until 2012, when they switched to using genetically modified E. coli, Roche Pharmaceuticals used up to 90% of the world's annual star anise crop to produce oseltamivir (Tamiflu) via shikimic acid.[3]