Description & Distribution 
Star Anise has been under cultivation since a very long time. It is indigenous to China, North Vietnam, neighboring countries. Mainland china is currently the largest producer of Star Anise and Star Anise is the dried fruit of a small, ever green tree which grows upto 8 m. When dry, the fruits assume a star-shape with 6-8 carpels in a whorl radiating from the tip of a slender stem. Each pointed corpel has a simple, boat - like seed, 1-2 cm long and broad. This tree fruits only when it is about 6 years old, but continues to fruit for almost 100 years thereafter. The fruits are plucked from the tree or shaken off the branches. Propagation is by seeds.

Star Anise has a smell and taste similar to that of fennel. It is, refreshing, and sweet. 

It is grown in India only on a very small scale. 

Harvesting Season : September to October
Marketing Season : November to December

Uses
Star Anise is used in foods, beverages and liquors. It is cooked with rice and some curries for its fragrant aroma. It is generally used in Chinese preparation like steamed fish, boiled eggs, meat and Soya sauce.

Along with pepper, cinnamon, clove and fennel, star arise forms part of the famous 'Chinese Five - Spice Powder'. The Vietnamese use it for flavoring roasted chicken. The essential oil contains anethole. It is used for flavoring. It is also used in chewing gum, confectionery, soap making and perfumery.

In the east, it is used to relieve colic and rheumatism and to flavor cough medicines. A stimulant and diuretic, it helps relieve sore throat. It is also chewed as a mouth refresher.

Export
Star Anise is not produced in India on a commercial scale.