Illicium Verum
Illicium verumĀ is a medium-sized evergreenĀ tree native to northeast VietnamĀ and southwest China. A spice commonly calledĀ star anise,Ā staranise,Ā star anise seed,Ā Chinese star anise, orĀ badianĀ that closely resembles aniseĀ in flavor is obtained from the star-shaped pericarpsĀ of the fruit ofĀ I. verumĀ which are harvested just before ripening. Star anise oil is a highly fragrant oil used in cooking, perfumery, soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and skin creams. About 90% of the world's star anise crop is used for extraction of shikimic acid, a chemical intermediate used in the synthesis of oseltamivirĀ (Tamiflu).