Anise

Anise is an umbelliferous Mediterranean plant. It belongs to the parsley family and is cultivated for its aromatic seeds which are used as a carminative and in the preparation of liqueurs. Anise seeds are also used in cooking and herbal medicine. Its botanical name is Pimpinella anisum, and family Umbelliferae.

There are also several species of trees and shrubs of this name native to Asia or American. These bear fruits having aniseed like odour. It belongs to the genus Illicium and family Illiciaceae. One of the species named star anise is used in Chinese cooking.