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The developing seed capsules of Star Anise, Chinese Star Anise or Star Aniseed (Illicium verum), an early spring-flowering evergreen shrub or tree to 15m tall. It occurs naturally in southern China and the highlands of Vietnam. The dried seed capsules, which are starry in shape, are widely used as a spice in Asia, especially as an ingredient in the traditional five-spice powder, and it has also become widely popular as an aniseed substitute. It also has a range of medicinal drugs, including the manufacture of anti-influenza drugs. Star Anise is also an attractive garden specimen and is quite easily grown. The flowers are pleasantly fragrant. It should not be confused with the more commonly seen Japanese Star Anise (Illicium anisatum), which is highly toxic. illicium-2449htm'>Illicium. Schisandraceae.
