Star Anise
(Illicium verum)
Other Names: Badiya, Badian, Bajiao, Hoa hoi
Description:
The star anise tree is a small to medium, grows to 5 m, rounded, evergreen tree with glossy foliage. Flowers are small and greenish white to pink or purple with a central boss of stamens which are followed by aromatic seed pods that open out into a star shape when ripe. The essential oil and the ground spice, star anise, are extracted from the brown pods and the seeds.
Uses:
The star shaped fruits are harvested just before ripening. It is widely used in Chinese cuisine, and to a lesser degree in Indian and South Asian cooking. Star anise is an ingredient of the traditional five-spice powder of Chinese cooking. Star anise contains anethole, the same ingredient which gives the unrelated anise its flavour.
Health:
Star anise has been used in a tea as a remedy for colic and rheumatism, and the seeds are sometimes chewed after meals to aid digestion. It is also used as a sedative, especially for nervousness and to induce sleep.
Climate:
Will grow well both in full sun or part shade.
Soil:
Does best in very well in light, well-drained moist soil.
Propagation:
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