Anise
Family Umbelliferae (or Apiaceae)
Pimpinella anisum, anise (P. anisum 1), is an annual herb, up to 50 cm tall, with finely divided leaves and small white flowers borne in compound umbels. The fruits are small, hard and ribbed.
Distribution
It is a native of the Middle East and introduced into Europe by the Arabs at an early date. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans knew anise. In the Middle Ages it was a highly esteemed medicine. Today it is grown in Europe, Asia and the US.
Use
The seeds are used for flavouring curries, confectionery and liqueurs like anisette, ouzo, pastis and absint. On distillation the seeds yield oil of anise, which is used in cough medicine, perfumery and soap, pastries, sweets and chewing-gum.
The same oil occurs in Illicium verum, star anise (I. verum 1). Illicium verum is not related to anise but a tree of the family Magnoleaceae, native to Southwest China. The name is derived from the star-shaped woody fruits.