What are the growing conditions for the star anise tree? A full breakdown of the latest requirements
The star anise tree is an economic plant of the genus Illicium in the family Schisandraceae. It grows in humid, warm subtropical valleys and is distributed in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan and other places. Its fruit and seeds can be used as a seasoning and also as medicine, and it is also a spice used to make toothpaste, soap, perfume and cosmetics. Its economic value is very high. Let us take a look together at the growing conditions for the star anise tree!
Temperature conditions
The star anise tree is a warm-loving subtropical tree species. It requires a suitable growth temperature range of 20-30°C, an average temperature on the coldest days above 10 degrees, an average temperature in the hottest period of 25-28 degrees, an annual accumulated temperature above 6000 degrees, and a frost-free period of more than 315 days. A short period of light frost has no major effect on plant growth, but places where it snows in winter have a great impact on the growth of the star anise tree. In February, when the temperature reaches 10 degrees, the star anise tree begins to sprout; in March, when the temperature rises back to 13-15 degrees, it enters the leaf-unfolding stage; in July, when the accumulated temperature reaches 3200 degrees, flower buds form, and above 3400 degrees it begins to bloom.
Humidity conditions
The star anise tree likes to grow under humid mountainous climate conditions. It requires annual rainfall of 1200-2000 mm, evenly distributed, and relative air humidity above 80%.
Light conditions
The star anise tree is a shade-tolerant plant. Seedlings like to grow under shaded environmental conditions and are averse to long-day exposure. Under 70%-80% shade, seedling growth is favorable; under less than 30% shade, seedlings grow poorly, with leaves turning yellow and even dying. Seedlings need one year to grow under shaded conditions. As the plant grows, its demand for sunlight gradually increases. Trees that have entered the flowering and fruiting stage need sufficient sunlight, but they also dislike direct strong sunlight, so they are suitable for growing in valleys and hillsides in mountainous areas where sunshine duration is shorter and the forest is relatively closed.
Wind conditions
Wind has a great impact on the growth, flowering and fruiting of star anise. Because its wood is soft, its branches are fragile, its main root does not grow deep, and its lateral roots are mostly distributed within 50 cm of the surface soil, its wind resistance is not strong and it is easily blown down by strong winds. Moreover, strong winds are very unfavorable to the flowering and fruiting of star anise, because after the star anise tree enters the fruiting stage, fruit hangs on the branches all year round, and the second half of the year is also the flowering period. Once strong winds occur, they easily cause a large amount of flower and fruit drop, leading to reduced yield. When choosing afforestation sites, they should as far as possible be arranged at wind-sheltered mountain feet and lower slopes, and afforestation at wind gaps should be strictly avoided.
Terrain conditions
Terrain has a great influence on the growth of star anise, because terrain directly affects conditions such as sunshine duration, temperature, humidity, as well as rainfall and soil, which are closely related to the growth of star anise. From the perspective of large terrain, rolling low mountains are suitable for the growth of star anise. From the perspective of small terrain, good drainage is required, and growth is only suitable on mountain land with a slope of 15-25 degrees. Low-lying areas with standing water, a high groundwater table and poor drainage are also not suitable for the growth of the star anise tree. It grows well in hilly land and low mountain areas at an altitude of 300-700 m.
Soil conditions
The content of nutrients in the soil directly affects the yield and quality of star anise. Star anise trees grown in soil rich in elements such as phosphorus, aluminum, zinc, sulfur, manganese and potassium have high yield and excellent quality. Therefore, they are suitable for growing in loose-textured, relatively deep, humus-rich, fertile and moist laterite soil.