Description
(Japanese Anise Tree , Japanese star anise, Aniseed tree, and sacred Anise tree ). Illicium anisatum an evergreen shrub of 2-4 metres , cream-yellow star shaped flowers. Anisatum is known in Japan as Shikimi. The branches and leaves are considered highly sacred by Japanese Buddhists, because they remain fresh after pruning. Unlike its close Chinese relative Illicium Verum , it is poisonous to humans. Endemic of Japan