ANISE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 17 



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

 diameter of 3 to 12 inches. The bark when hruised 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 {G-oli^m cusparia), a tall, trifoliate-leaved 

 tree of the Eue family (Eutaceae), 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 {Fimpinella anisum), an annual of the Carrot 

 family (Umbelliferc^), 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 Illidwn anisatum, 

 an evergreen, smooth-leaved shrub of the Magnolia family 

 (Magnoliacefe), 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 



C 



