Illicium verum

Hook.f.

Ba Jiao Hui Xian, Staranise tree

Illiciaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Description

Illicium verum is an evergreen Tree growing to 5 m (16ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

The fruit is used as a flavouring in curries, teas and pickles. It is an ingredient of 'five spice powder', used in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. The fruit is also chewed after meals in order to sweeten the breath. Caution is advised because it is said to be poisonous in quantity. The essential oil is used to flavour liqueurs, soft drinks and bakery products.

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Appetizer Carminative Expectorant Homeopathy Stimulant. The fruit is antibacterial, carminative, diuretic, odontalgic, stimulant, and stomachic. It is taken internally in the treatment of abdominal pain, digestive disturbances and complaints such as lumbago. It is often included in remedies for digestive disturbances and cough mixtures, in part at least for its pleasant aniseed flavour. An effective remedy for various digestive upsets, including colic, it can be safely given to children. The fruit is also often chewed in small quantities after meals in order to promote digestion and to sweeten the breath. The fruit has an antibacterial affect similar to penicillin. The fruit is harvested unripe when used for chewing, the ripe fruits being used to extract essential oil and are dried for use in decoctions and powders. A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the seed.

Known Hazards

The fruit is poisonous in quantity.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Vietnam.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Fujian Sheng (south), Guangdong Sheng (west), Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng (southeast)) TROPICAL ASIA: Vietnam

Cultivation

Prefers a light, moist well-drained loam and a sheltered position Prefers a humus-rich lime-free soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade. This species is not very cold-hardy, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c and requires a very sheltered position or the protection of a wall when grown in Britain. Chinese anise is extensively cultivated in China for its fruit and medicinal essential oil. It is planted in the grounds of temples in Japan, and also on tombs. Plants seldom grow larger than about 3 metres in Britain, but eventually reach about 18 metres tall in their native habitat.

Propagation

Seed - it does not require pre-treatment and can be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and give some protection from the cold over the winter for the first year or two. Layering in early spring. Takes 18 months. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, August in a frame. Pot up the cuttings when they start to root and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting out after the last expected frosts.

Other Uses

Essential Incense. The pounded bark is used as an incense.