Japanese Star Anise (Illicium anisatum)
Illicium anisatum is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Japan, known for its aromatic foliage and star-shaped fruit.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Prefers partial shade to full shade. Protect from direct, hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Dappled sunlight is ideal.
Watering
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
Requires well-draining, acidic to neutral soil. A mix of loam, peat moss, and sand is suitable. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Ideal growing range is between 15-25°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures but protect from frost.
Habitat
Outdoor, Greenhouse
Fertilizer
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength in spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the roots. No feeding is typically needed in fall and winter.
Care Requirements
Prefers partial shade to full shade. Protect from direct, hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Dappled sunlight is ideal.
Dappled sunlight is ideal.
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Requires well-draining, acidic to neutral soil. A mix of loam, peat moss, and sand is suitable. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Ideal growing range is between 15-25°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures but protect from frost.
Avoid extreme heat.
Outdoor, Greenhouse
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength in spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the roots. No feeding is typically needed in fall and winter.
Avoid over-fertilizing.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Shrub, Tree
Plant Category
Foliage, Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden, Pot
Plant Environment
Outdoor, Greenhouse
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
3-6 m
Spread
1.5-3 m
Growth Rate
Slow
Dormancy
None
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Image Gallery
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderAustrobaileyales
- familySchisandraceae
- genusIllicium
- speciesIllicium anisatum
Toxic for humans
Yes
Rating: 7/5
Toxic for pets
Yes
Rating: 7/5
Edible
No
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological effects. The fruit and leaves contain anisatin, which is highly toxic.