Florida Red Anise ( illicium floridanum )

Florida Red Anise

( illicium floridanum ) 

(common names : florida anise, star anise, anise tree) 

Florida anise is a broad-leaved evergreen shrub or small tree with a compact stature and a maximum height of 10 ft. The leaves are leathery, smooth and shiny, 3-6 inches long and an inch or two wide. When crushed, they emit a very pleasant anise-like odor. The flowers, about 2 inch diameter with 20-30 slender maroon petals, are attractive but tend to be overlooked in the lush shiny foliage. When ripe, the shiny, jewel-like seeds literally explode out of the papery star-shaped fruits.

 Mature Height : 6-10 Feet

Mature Width : 6-10 Feet

 Exposure : Full shade to partial sun

( can be acclimated to full sun with plenty of water )

 Hardiness Zones : 7-10