Common Name: Ba Jiao Hui Xian

General Information

Illicium verum is an evergreen tree growing 8 - 15 metres tall with occasional specimens to 20 metres[]. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 30cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is extensively cultivated in China, and some other areas of the tropics and subtropics, for its fruit and medicinal essential oil[, ]. It is planted in the grounds of temples in Japan, and also on tombs[].

Known Hazards

The fruit is poisonous in quantity[, ].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - southern China(Guangxi), northern Vietnam.

Habitat

Light woodland and thickets[]. Forests; at elevations from 200 - 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Illicium verum succeeds in both tropical and subtropical areas at elevations up to 2,000 metres[, ]. The plant is found in areas where the mean annual temperature is in the range 12 - 18°c and the mean annual rainfall is 1,500 - 2,400mm[]. It is not very cold-hardy, tolerating short periods with temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c, and requires a very sheltered position or the protection of a wall when grown in more temperate regions[].
Older plants require a sunny position, but younger plants grow better if given some shade[]. Prefers a light, moist well-drained loam and a sheltered position[, ]. Prefers a humus-rich lime-free soil with a pH in the range 4 - 6[, ].
Chinese anise is extensively cultivated in China for its fruit and its medicinal essential oil[]. It is also planted as an ornamental and is grown in the grounds of temples in Japan, and also on tombs[].
Trees can commence flowering when 5 - 6 years old from seed, with viable seed being produced from around 9 - 10 years old[].
Trees can continue giving good crops of fruits for about 80 years, though good fruit years are usually only encountered every three years[].
All parts of Ille plant, especially Ille fruit, are strongly aromatic[].

Edible Uses

The fruit is used as a flavouring in curries, teas and pickles[, , , ]. It is an ingredient of 'five spice powder', used in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine[]. The fruit is also chewed after meals in order to sweeten the breath[]. Caution is advised because it is said to be poisonous in quantity[, ].

The essential oil is used to flavour liqueurs, soft drinks and bakery products[].

Medicinal

The fruit contains an essential oil comprising about 85% anethole, methylchavicol and safrole[]. It is antibacterial, carminative, diuretic, odontalgic, stimulant, and stomachic[, , , , ]. The fruit has an antibacterial affect similar to penicillin[].
It is taken internally in the treatment of abdominal pain, digestive disturbances and complaints such as lumbago[, ]. It is often included in remedies for digestive disturbances and cough mixtures, in part at least for its pleasant aniseed flavour[]. An effective remedy for various digestive upsets, including colic, it can be safely given to children[]. The fruit is also often chewed in small quantities after meals in order to promote digestion and to sweeten the breath[, , ].
An alcoholic maceration of the seed is prescribed for massage in the treatment of rheumatism and ostealgia[].
The fruit is harvested unripe when used for chewing, the ripe fruits being used to extract essential oil and are dried for use in decoctions and powders[, ].

A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the seed[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is widely planted in areas for rehabilitation of the soil[]. It can be planted mixed with some other tree species such as Canarium album, Mandarin and Camellia spp[].

Other Uses

The fruits, seeds and leaves all contain essential oils that are used as flavourings and medicinally[].
Ten kilos of dry fruits yield 1 kilo of oil[]. The dried fruits may contain 5 to 8% of essential oil, which is dominated by anethole (85 - 90%). The other components, phellandrene, safrole and terpineol, have only small effects upon the aroma[].

The pounded bark is used as an incense[].

The wood is fragrant[]. It is used for construction and furniture making[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it has a short viability and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. It can be sown in light shade in a nursery seedbed or in containers. A germination rate of around 80% is typical, with the seeds sprouting within 27 - 60 days[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out when they are 30cm or more tall.
Layering.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood.

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