An Introduction to the Characteristics, Uses and Cultivation Points of the Star Anise Tree

The star anise tree is an evergreen tree of the genus Illicium in the family Schisandraceae (Magnoliaceae), mainly distributed in the warm, humid mountainous areas of southern China such as Guangxi, Yunnan and Guangdong, where it is an important economic forest tree species. Its fruit is the spice star anise commonly used in cooking, also known in many northern regions as daliao (large anise), so this tree has multiple values including spice and medicinal uses.

In appearance, the star anise tree has a straight trunk, and its leathery, glossy leaves give off an obvious aromatic scent when crushed. The fruit is a radiating aggregate of follicles, mostly forming eight horn-like points, which is how star anise got its name. After the fruit ripens it is mostly harvested in autumn and winter, and after sun-drying or oven-drying it can be used as a seasoning spice.

Star anise has a very wide range of uses. In the kitchen it is an indispensable seasoning for stewed meat and braised dishes, removing rank odors and adding fragrance; in traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is also one of the commonly used medicinal materials. In addition, the fruit peel and leaves can be distilled to extract star anise oil, which is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and daily chemical industries. It should be noted that star anise and fennel are not the same plant: star anise comes from a woody tree, while fennel comes from a herbaceous plant, so they should be distinguished when purchasing and using them.

For planting star anise trees, it is best to choose a warm, humid environment without severe frost in winter, and deep, well-drained acidic soil is more favorable for its growth. Propagation is mainly by sowing and raising seedlings, and methods such as grafting can also be used. Seedling trees need many years from planting to flowering and fruiting, while grafted seedlings can noticeably bear fruit earlier, and the specific number of years is closely related to the level of management. During the growing period, attention must also be paid to controlling anthracnose and leaf-eating pests, and strengthening water and fertilizer management, so as to maintain stable tree vigor and obtain a better harvest.