Star Anise is a spice obtained from Illicium verum tree’s fruit. The Star Anise spice belongs to Southwest China, and it is majorly used in Chinese medicines for a long time.
Star anise flourishes well in a tropical climate, which has temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. Star anise cultivation requires a well-defined dry season for optimal growth.
Star anise is generally propagated through seeds or cuttings, with seeds being the more common method as farmers obtain higher yields from seeds, and this method is easier.
Star anise cultivation requires well-drained, loamy soils with good organic matter content. The soil pH value should be between 6.5 and 7.5 for proper growth of the plants.
Adequate irrigation during the dry season is essential, and young plants should be watered regularly, while mature trees are drought-tolerant once established.
Star anise can be prone to pests like aphids and diseases such as fungal leaf spots. This makes pest and disease management crucial for successful cultivation.
Star anise is typically harvested when the fruit turns from green to reddish-brown, and the seeds inside the star-shaped pods become hard and aromatic.