Star anise with fragrant flowers and a spreading crown

Star anise, also called badian, is an evergreen tree or shrub. It belongs to the magnolia family (Illicium verum). This plant is valued for its looks and taste. Its fruits are widely used in cooking and medicine. Star anise has a distinct aroma. It is a popular spice, especially in Asian dishes.

Botanical details show it can grow up to 18 meters tall. Its crown spreads 7-12 meters wide. The tree has an upright trunk. Its branches are fragile and break easily. Simple, oval leaves of dark green cover the branches. The leaves are leathery. They grow in an alternating pattern. Usually, 3-5 leaves cluster at the branch tips.

In the spring, it blooms with fragrant flowers. The flowers have a double perianth. They are white with pink or reddish insides. The fruit is woody and star-shaped. Each point of the "star" holds one seed.

Chefs use the fruits in cooking. Traditional Chinese medicine values them. They aid digestion and boost the immune system. The seeds have essential oil. This oil is used in cosmetics and perfumes. Also, the fruits yield shikimic acid. This acid is key in making some medicines.

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