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Illicium verum Hook.f. Illiciaceae Chinese Star Anise Distribution: China. Illicium anisatum Japanese Star Anise. Distribution Japan. Illicium verum is used as a spice in Asian cooking and for Star Anise tea. The distilled oil is added to cough mixture used by children. Introduced to Europe in 1588 (Pharmacographia Indica, 1890). Illicium anisatum syn. religiosum, has been confused with it (Lindley, 1838, Bentley 1861) but is poisonous and was used to make incense in Japanese and Chinese temples. It was called Skimi by Kaempfer. The seed pods of both species contain shikimic acid (the name being derived from the Japanese word for the plant - shi-kimi) from which Tamiflu, the antiviral drug was synthesised. Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.
Dr Henry Oakeley- Pictures
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Two flowering plants: a knot grass (Illecebrum species) and star anise tree (Illicium verum). Coloured etching, c. 1811.
Date: 4 March 1811Reference: 25540i- Digital Images
- Online
Illicium anisatum L. Illiciaceae Japanese Star Anise. Distribution Japan. This was also called Illicium religiosum and the fruits are toxic. Effects of taking Illicium anisatum tea include epilepsy, vomiting, shakiness and rapid eye movements (US Food and Drug Administration report, 2003). Lindley (1838) and Bentley (1861) thought that I. anisatum was used in cooking, but they were describing the uses of I. verum which is used as a spice in Asia. Illicium anisatum syn. religiosum is 'used to make incense in Japanese and Chinese temples and was called Skimi by Kaempfer. This derives from the Japanese word 'shi-kimi'. The seed pods of both species contain shikimic acid (the name being derived from the Japanese) from which Tamiflu, the antiviral drug was synthesised. Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.
Dr Henry Oakeley- Pictures
- Online
Top, nerves of the lower limb, anterior (left) and posterior (right) views; below, centre, the plant Illicium verum (Chinese star anise, badian). Coloured engraving, 1834-1837.
Date: [between 1834 and 1837]Reference: 578018i- Books
Para una genealogia de los boticarios catalanes : nota sobre los Anisant y Vellalta de Sabadell / R. Jordi.
Jordi González, Ramón.Date: 1986