star anise
Illicium · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Star anise, scientifically known as Illicium, is a versatile medicinal plant celebrated for its potent aromatic properties. Renowned for its unique star shape, this spice contains shikimic acid, a key component in antiviral medications. It is widely utilized in traditional medicine to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
- Family
- Schisandraceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Anisetree · Anises · 1 more
- Scientific synonyms
- Cymbostemon · Badianifera
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- anisetree
- anises
- star anises
Scientific Names
Accepted name
IlliciumSynonyms
- Cymbostemon
- Badianifera
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Sternanis
- Sternanis
French:
- Badianier
- Badianier
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
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 |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Austrobaileyales |
| Family | Schisandraceae |
| Genus | Illicium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (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 |
|---|---|
| China | China South-Central |
| China | Hainan |
| China | China North-Central |
| China | China Southeast |
| Eastern Asia | Japan |
| Eastern Asia | Korea |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Illicium has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anisatin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Anisatin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Anisatin
- Molecular bioSystems