star anise

noun

Also called Chinese anise. a shrub or small tree, Illicium verum, of China, having white flowers that turn purple and bearing anise-scented, star-shaped clusters of carminative fruit.
the fruit of this tree or shrub, used as a spice.

star anise

First recorded in 1830–40

Flavors of red plums, juniper, and star anise make it the perfect holiday party red to go with cheeses or chocolate truffles.

Poudre de Neptune (dill, fennel, star anise, seaweed) is by far the most-used seasoning in my kitchen.

The capsule assumes a screw-like form in Helicteres, and a star-like form in star-anise (Illicium anisatum).

Magnified section through the thickness of a leaf of Florida Star-Anise.

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