Anasipoo is Illicium verum, star anise — the eight-pointed dried fruit that smells of liquorice. Hindi chakri phool is the same spice. It is not fennel, not Pimpinella anise, and not Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which is toxic. Count the points and refuse a mixture.
- Botanical name
- Illicium verum Hook.f.
- Family
- Schisandraceae
- Tamil
- Anasipoo
- Hindi
- Chakri phool
- Sanskrit
- Takkolaka
- Parts used
- Fruit
- Habit
- Evergreen tree; the article is an eight-pointed dried fruit
- Last updated
- 2026-10-30
How to recognise Anasipoo
Hooker published Illicium verum. The family is Schisandraceae. It is an evergreen tree: glossy leaves, and a fruit of usually eight (sometimes more) boat-shaped follicles in a star, each holding a glossy seed.
Japanese I. anisatum is usually more irregular, with more or fewer points, and a different, less sweet smell. Do not taste an unknown star to decide.
Tamil anasipoo / annasi poo, Hindi chakri phool / badian and English star anise are this species. Aniseed is Pimpinella anisum, an umbellifer. Fennel is Foeniculum vulgare.
A Chinese hill orchard and a Chennai masala tin can share a spice without sharing a tree.
Buy whole stars and count the points. Broken points in a jar are weaker and easier to mix.
Culinary stars are typically eight-pointed and reasonably regular. A star with many unequal rays is a reason to stop.
The smell is sweet anise, not turpentine. A harsh, unsweet star is a reason to discard the lot.
Fennel is a seed, not a star. Liquorice is a root. Three liquorice smells, three pages.
Each follicle opens to show one seed. That boat is the spice unit.
The tree is not a Tamil homestead crop. A garden Illicium of another species is not a spice.
Pink or red fresh fruit dries brown. Colour of the fresh fruit is not a second spice.
Traditional use of Anasipoo
Indian and Chinese food
The star seasons rice, broth and some masalas. Do not brew a tea of unknown stars.
Kitchen practice
Household
A star in a pot is seasoning. Historical wind headings are not a medical claim.
Household practice
Modern notes on Anasipoo
Anethole chemistry is why it smells of liquorice. A star and an oil capsule are different strengths.
Anasipoo safety
A star or two in a pot of biryani is the normal use. Unknown star teas have been a documented mix-up with toxic I. anisatum. Do not drink a star you cannot name.
Essential oil is not a biryani star. Infants should not inherit a star tea.
Ecology and sourcing
It is a Chinese hill crop in the honest story. Indian kitchens import it. Nobody should invent a Western Ghats harvest.
Related plants
Questions about Anasipoo
Is Anasipoo the same as fennel?
No. Fennel is Foeniculum vulgare, a seed. Star anise is this eight-pointed fruit. Shared liquorice smell is chemistry, not a genus.
What is the Tamil name of Illicium verum?
Anasipoo.
Why not call Anasipoo anise?
Because anise is already Pimpinella anisum. This site will not collapse the two. Japanese star anise is a third, toxic plant.
Sources
- Illicium verum Hook.f. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q2878644 (Illicium verum)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.