| Yellow anise | |
|---|---|
| Yellow anise plant (Illicium parviflorum) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| Order: | Austrobaileyales |
| Family: | Schisandraceae |
| Genus: | Illicium |
| Species: | I. parviflorum |
| Binomial name | |
| Illicium parviflorum Hook.f. |
|
| Range | |
Illicium parviflorum, commonly known as yellow anise, is an aromatic evergreen tree or shrub common to the southeastern United States, especially around the states of Florida and Georgia. It is in the same genus as the star anise - Illicium verum, which is commonly used and sold as a spice.[1] Illicium parviflorum tends to grow in moist climates such as around the springs of the Ocala National Forrest.
The yellow anise is commonly seen as a garden shrub in the southeastern United States because of the low maintenance required.
Although star anise is used commonly for culinary reasons, yellow anise is considered to be toxic and thus no part of the plant should be consumed.
The essential oil derived from leaves and branches of cultivated Illicium parviflorum contains approximately 68% safrole, which is mostly responsible for the plant's pleasant aromatic odor of root beer (like Sassafras), or licorice and mint. Minor contributors to its aromaticity include linalool and methyleugenol.[2]