Star anise (Illicium verum)

Star anise (Illicium verum) is a plant species belonging to the Schisandraceae family. It is a shrub with simple, aromatic leaves that are lanceolate, obovate-elliptic, or elliptic in shape; they measure 5–15 cm in length and 2–5 cm in width, with a leathery to very thick texture, acute tips, and a pubescent (hairy) underside.

I. verum produces solitary, bisexual flowers that range from bright to dark red, appearing in the leaf axils or near the ends of the branches (subterminal). The perianth consists of 7–12 lobes arranged in a spiral. There are typically 11–20 stamens, also arranged spirally, with short, thick filaments. The flower usually contains 8 distinct carpels arranged in a whorl. The flower stalk (pedicel) is 1.5–4 cm long. The 7–12 tepals are broadly elliptic to broadly ovate, the anthers measure 1–1.5 mm, and the pollen grains are tricolpate.

The fruit is a follicetum—a cluster of follicles—that is star-shaped and reddish-brown, consisting of 6–8 follicles arranged in a circle. Each follicle is boat-shaped, 1–2 cm long, with a rough, rigid texture and a reddish-brown color; it contains a single seed and splits open along the ventral side when mature.

The carpels are 10 mm long, boat-shaped, hard, and wrinkled, each containing one seed. The seeds are brown, ovoid (egg-shaped), and compressed, with a smooth, shiny, and brittle surface; they measure 8–9 mm in length and 6 mm in width.

Star anise has a strong, distinctive aroma and is used as a spice to enhance the flavor of various dishes. It is incorporated into curries, Acehnese gulai, Minangkabau rendang, and various Javanese and Balinese culinary preparations. Star anise is also used in traditional beverages, such as *jamu* (herbal medicine), and as an additive for tea.

The flower is used to treat digestive issues, promote urinary tract health, and alleviate joint pain and coughs. Its oil helps reduce nausea in pregnant women, as well as lower back pain and rheumatism. The shikimic acid found in the flower serves as a key ingredient in the production of Tamiflu, a medication used to treat avian influenza and seasonal flu.

The flower also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and dry coughs. Rich in antioxidants, it helps combat free radicals, prevent wrinkles, and maintain skin elasticity.

The flower’s aroma can promote better sleep; it contains antioxidants and magnesium, which trigger the release of neurotransmitters that induce relaxation. Additionally, the compound linalool is used as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes, and as a mosquito repellent.

Per 100 grams, it contains 337 calories, 16g of total fat (24% of the Daily Value)—comprising 0.6g of saturated fat (3%), 3.2g of polyunsaturated fat, and 10g of monounsaturated fat—0mg of cholesterol (0%), 50g of total carbohydrates (16%), and 15g of dietary fiber (60%).

It also contains minerals, including iron (20.5%), calcium (64%), magnesium (42%), 16mg of sodium, potassium (1,441mg; 41%), and 18g of protein (36%). Vitamin content includes 6% vitamin A, 35% vitamin B-6, and 35% vitamin C, with 0% vitamin D and 0% vitamin B-12.

TAXON

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Subphylum: Angiospermae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Austrobaileyales
Family: Schisandraceae
Genus: Illicium L. in Syst. Nat., ed. 10. 2: 1050 (1759)
Species: Illicium verum Hook.f. in Bot. Mag. 114: t. 7005 (1888)

HETEROTYPIC SYNONYMS

Illicium stellatum Makino in J. Jap. Bot. 20: 4 (1944)

PUBLICATIONS

Aung, Y.L., Aung, M.H., Tan, Y. & Jin, X. (2025). An updated checklist of vascular plants of Myanmar. PhytoKeys 261: 135-364.

Dy Phon, P. (2000). Dictionnaire des plantes utilisées au Cambodge: 1-915. Chez l'auteur, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Wu, Z. & Raven, P.H. (eds.) (2008). Flora of China 7: 1-499. Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. Louis.

VERNACULAR NAME

Chinese (simplified): 八角
Chinese (traditional): 八角
Czech: Badyáník pravý
English: Star anise, Badian, Chinese star anise, Star anise seed, Star aniseed, Star of anise
Filipino: Sanque, Sangke
Finnish: Rusotähtianis
French: Anis étoilé, Anis de la Chine, Badianier
Galician: Anis estrelado
Indonesia: Bunga lawang, Kembang lawang, Bunga pakak, Kembang pekak, Adas cina
Italian: Anice stellato
Japanese: ダイウイキョウ - トウシキミ - 唐樒
Java: Kembang lawang, Kembang pekak
Khmer: ផ្កាចន្ទ - ផ្កាខាត់ឡាវហាវ Phka chann, Pôch kak lavhav
Malaysia: Bunga lawang, Adas china
Portuguese: Anis-estrelado
Slovak: Anízovec pravý
Spanish: Anís estrella, Anís estrellado, Badiana
Tagalog: Sangke
Thai: โป๊ยกั้ก - จันทน์แปดกลีบ

Aryo Bandoro
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