Illicium anisatum is a plant commonly known as star anise. It is grown in several countries, including China, Japan, and Vietnam. Star anise is a popular spice used in various cuisines across the world. The plant has many synonyms, including Chinese star anise, aniseed tree, and star anise tree. The plant belongs to the Schisandraceae family and can grow up to 10 meters tall. It is known for its distinctive star-shaped pods, which contain fragrant seeds that are highly prized for their culinary and medicinal properties. Overall, the many names for Illicium anisatum demonstrate the importance and widespread use of this plant in various cultures.