Illicium Verum USDA Organic Kosher Certified Organic by QAI An unusual, star-shaped spice, star anise adds pungent, licorice-like flavor and aroma to meats, stews, mulled beverages and liqueurs. Star anise is also an essential ingredient in blends like five spice and garam masala--and it makes a lovely addition to potpourri. Star anise is the distinctive fruit of an evergreen tree, Illicium verum. Related to the magnolia, it has a whitish, aromatic trunk and grows to about 26 feet. The star anise is the unripe fruit that's been picked and dried. It's sold both whole and ground into an aromatic, red-brown powder. It's also known as anise star, takkola, and Chinese star anise.