Illicium

This page is about the genus of plants. Illicium is also a term for the modified first dorsal fin ray of angler fishes, used to attract prey.

Illicium (Anise-tree, Anise tree) is a genus of flowering plants containing 42 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees, in family Schisandraceae. The species are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of eastern and southeastern Asia, southeastern North America, and the West Indies.

Selected species

• Illicium anisatum (Japanese Star Anise). Southern Japan, Taiwan.
• Illicium arborescens. Taiwan.
• Illicium dunnianum
• Illicium fargesii
• Illicium floridanum (Purple Anise or Florida Anise). Southeastern United States.
• Illicium griffithii
• Illicium henryi (Henry's Anise). Southwestern China.
• Illicium jiadifengpi
• Illicium lanceolatum. Southern China.
• Illicium macranthum
• Illicium merrillianum
• Illicium mexicanum (Mexican Anise). Mexico.
• Illicium micranthum
• Illicium minwanense
• Illicium oligandrum
• Illicium parviflorum (Yellow Anise). Southeastern United States.
• Illicium simonsii
• Illicium ternstroemioides. Southern China.
• Illicium verum (Star Anise). Southern China, Vietnam.

Uses

The fruits of Illicium verum are known as star anise, and are used as a seasoning in Chinese and southeast-Asian cooking. Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) is used in Japan to produce incense, but its fruits are toxic if ingested.