380 POWDERED VEGETABLE DRUGS 



116. (Fig. 117.) ILLICIUM. Illicium. 

 Fine powder. 



Star anise, Chinese anise, E. Sternanis, G. Badiane, Anise e'toile', 

 Fr. 



The fruit of Illicium verum Hooker, Magnoliaceae. 



Reddish brown. 



Fragrantly aromatic, like anise. 



Quite acid, sweet, pungent. 



Epidermal cells of pericarp polygonal, with stomata. Brown 

 tissue; parenchyma with oil globules; numerous elongated, thick- 

 walled sclerenchyma cells. Endosperm cells thin-walled, with fat 

 and proteid granules. 



Adulterated with fruits of Illicium religiosum, known as Japanese 

 star anise. The powder is of a lighter color. The sclerenchyma fibers 

 of the endocarp are smaller, walls thinner. Boiled in dilute potassium 

 hydrate solution the powder of Japanese star anise turns yellowish 

 brown while the powder of true anise turns a deep blood red. Illicium 

 floridanum differs histologically; compare epidermal sclerenchyma. 



