Star anise is the seed pod from the fruit of the Illicium verum
plant, an evergreen shrub native to Southwest China. The star
anise pod, which is shaped like a star (hence its name), has an
average of eight points, each containing a single pea-sized
seed.
Both the seeds and the pod are used in cooking and contain the
sweet, potent anise flavor. Star anise is sold whole and
ground.
