Illicium anisatum

species

“Japanese Star Anise”, “Illicium Japonicum”

On the Web

On Wikipedia

Illicium anisatum, with common names Japanese star anise, Aniseed tree, and sacred Anise tree, known in Japan as Shikimi (樒, シキミ), is a tree closely related to the Chinese star anise (Illicium verum). Since it is highly toxic, the fruit is not edible; instead, the dried and powdered leaves are burned as incense in Japan. Its branches and evergreen leaves are considered highly sacred by Japanese Buddhists due to aversion from insects and their ability to remain fresh after pruning. Illicium anisatum is native to Japan. It is similar to the Chinese star anise, but its fruit is smaller and with a weaker odour, reputed to be similar to cardamom than anise. Due to its poisonous nature, its seeds have been used as a fish poison as well as a natural agricultural pesticide to repel animals from…