Illicium verum
TAXONOMY
FamilySchisandraceae
GenusIllicium
Zone8
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Illicium verum, commonly known as star anise, is a small evergreen tree native to northeast Vietnam and southwest China. It is well-known for its star-shaped fruit, which is used as a spice in cooking and traditional medicine. The plant prefers subtropical climates and can grow up to 8 meters tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces small, yellow-green flowers. The plant undergoes a dormancy period of about 2 months during the winter.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Star Anise
Illicium san-ki
Illicium stellatum
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity70%
GDD5,475
Dormancy2 Months
pH5.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Illicium verum thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moderate temperatures. It requires high humidity and should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought but performs best with consistent moisture. It is best grown outdoors in subtropical climates.Harvest
Illicium verum, commonly known as star anise, is typically harvested when the star-shaped fruits turn a reddish-brown color, indicating they are mature. The fruits are usually hand-picked to avoid damaging the tree and to ensure only the ripe fruits are collected. After harvesting, the fruits are often sun-dried to enhance their flavor and aroma. It is important to handle the fruits carefully to prevent bruising, which can affect the quality of the spice.Soil
Illicium verum prefers well-draining loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for this plant.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production.Repotting
Repot Illicium verum every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Illicium verum can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they germinate. For cuttings, take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant them in a moist, well-draining soil mix.Pruning
Prune Illicium verum in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Regular pruning helps promote healthy growth and improves air circulation within the plant.Toxicity
Illicium verum is toxic to pets and humans if ingested in large quantities. The seeds and essential oil contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. It is important to keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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