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March 19, 2006 : Illicium anisatum

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Plant Family / Families: Illiciaceae
Scientific Name and Author: Illicium anisatum L.
Institution: David C. Lam Asian Garden, University of British Columbia Botanical Garden
Accession Number: 004337-0156-1972
Name Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Illicium anisatum

I'm on vacation, so only a short written accompaniment today. – Daniel

It is not always safe to presume that members of the same genus have similar chemical compositions. Illicium verum of China, commonly known as star anise, is used as a spice in cooking and liquor (and the shikimic acid extracted from it is used in the production of Tamiflu). The Japanese star anise, Illicium anisatum, is however severely toxic – its chemicals can cause severe inflammation of the kidneys, urinary tract and digestive organs, as well as affecting the nervous system. To read more, see Wikipedia's entries on Illicium anisatum and Illicium verum.

Posted by Daniel Mosquin at March 19, 2006 12:00 AM

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Illicium anisatum - Z7 - RHS Index of Garden Plants, Griffiths
Illicium anisatum - Z7-9 - A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, Brickell, Cole, Zuk
Illicium anisatum - Z7 - Heronswood Nursery Catalogue, Hinkley

Posted by: Beverley at March 19, 2006 9:03 AM

I have some sort of anise bush in my yard; I had thought it was Florida anise until I saw some blooming elsewhere; mine has a small (3/8") pale yellow blossom with 4 petals. The leaves are very aromatic if you brush against them; they smell identical to the wild ginger/heartleaf pitcher plant that grows in southern swamps. Can anyone put a name on this anise ?
Thanx

Posted by: Milton Holladay at January 3, 2007 8:22 PM

Milton - you'll have more luck with replies asking your question on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums.

Posted by: Daniel Mosquin Author Profile Page at January 4, 2007 8:46 AM

I am so pleases with todays Photograph. Star anise is used with soy beans pods when streamed and inparts a very nice flavor. I it good to understand that not all star anise is the same. It was nice to have the links to go too.
Thank you,
Margaret-Rae

Posted by: Margaret-Rae Davis at May 2, 2008 6:25 PM

I have recently been making herb teas from herbs in my cupboard and thought I would look up "Illicium anisatum' "Aniseed Star"...as printed on the packet. I am a bit confused as this species is said to be toxic on several sites..
The packet says "Product of China".. I assume I should throw it out.

Posted by: Leesa Abbinga at June 30, 2008 9:14 PM

Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!

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Botany Photo of the Day is a project of the UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research, located in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada. UBC BGCPR is a department of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems within The University of British Columbia.