Anise (Illicium parviflorum) N

Yellow anise is an evergreen shrub to small tree found in mesic hammocks, bluffs, ravines and seepage swamps. It is endemic to only seven Central Florida counties. Its dense evergreen foliage provides cover for birds and other wildlife. Its lightly fragrant blooms appear in spring and summer.  They are pollinated by small insects, particularly flies in the Diptera order.

Flowers are tiny (about ½-inch in diameter) with 12 to 15 greenish-yellow tepals. They are born on fleshy stalks. Leaves are up to 6 inches long, leathery and elliptic with blunt tips. Leaf upper surface is dark green and smooth; the underside is flecked with pale glands. Fruits are small, green star-shaped, that turn brown when mature, dispersing its many seeds.

The entire plant, especially the leaves when crushed, emits an anise or licorice-scented fragrance. It is related to the common spice Star-anise, but like many other anise species, including Florida anise, the leaves and fruit may be toxic. The bark is a source of anise oil, and the roots may be used like sassafras.