Illicium
Illicium, commonly known as star anise, is a fascinating genus of aromatic shrubs and trees native to East Asia. Renowned for its unique star-shaped fruit, it is prized in traditional medicine and culinary arts for its potent essential oils, offering powerful antimicrobial, digestive, and antioxidant properties for holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Illicium
- Family: Schisandraceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Austrobaileyales, it is situated in the family Schisandraceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Illicium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Austrobaileyales | WCVP |
| Family | Schisandraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Illicium | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions of East Asia. Within China, its distribution is quite extensive, spanning from the North-Central provinces to the Southeast. It is also documented to grow throughout the South-Central areas of the country. Furthermore, its range extends southward to include the island of Hainan. Finally, the geographical reach of Illicium encompasses Japan, marking its presence in Eastern Asia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
Chemicals
Illicium has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anisatin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anisatin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |