ANISE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 17 



is said to attain the height of 30 to 40 or even 60 feet, with a 

 diameter of 3 to 12 inches. The bark when bruised emits an 

 aroma like Angelica. It is used medically as an emetic and 

 purgative, and is a reputed remedy for the bite of the rattlesnake. 



Angustura Bark {Galipea cusparia), a tall, trifoliate-leaved 

 tree of the Eue family (Eutacese), native of North Brazil and 

 Venezuela. The bark is febrifugal, and said to be equal to qui- 

 nine. The extract of the bark forms the basis of the bitters so 

 highly esteemed in the United States. As an aromatic bitter 

 it stimulates the appetite, and is a remedy in diarrhoea. Poison- 

 ous effects have been the result of the use of some of the 

 Angustura bark of commerce, which had been derived from 

 spurious trees, strychnos nux vomica being one. {See Nux 

 Vomica.) 



Anise-seed {Pimpinella anisiim), an annual of the Carrot 

 family (Umbelliferse), native of the South of Europe, where it is 

 cultivated, as well as in this country, for the seeds (fruits) which 

 are used in confectionery, and a well-known cordial called 

 Aniseed is made from them. 



Anise, Star, a name given to the fruit of Ulicmm anisatum, 

 an evergreen, smooth-leaved shrub of the Magnolia family 

 (Magnoliacese), native of China, attaining the height of 8 or 10 

 feet. It derives its name from the carpels of the fruit being 

 united in a circle, representing a star about an inch in diameter. 

 It is highly aromatic, and is in great repute in China and other 

 countries of the East, where it is used as a condiment, and is 

 imported to Europe for flavouring spirits, as well as for medi- 

 cinal purposes. It is said by the native doctors to be stomachic 

 and carminative. Its pungent and aromatic flavour and odour is 

 due to the presence of a volatile oil, which is obtained from it 

 by distillation, and is similar to that of common Anise-seed 

 oil. /. religiosum, a pretty, smooth-leaved evergreen shrub or 

 small tree, native of Japan ; is held sacred by the Japanese, 

 who form wreaths of the flowers with which to decorate the 

 tombs of their deceased friends ; the fragrant bark is also 

 used as incense before their deities. Powdered, it is burned in 



