| illicium | <botany> A genus of Asiatic and American magnoliaceous trees, having star-shaped fruit; star anise. The fruit of Illicium anisatum is used as a spice in India, and its oil is largely used in Europe for flavoring cordials, being almost identical with true oil of anise. Origin: So called, in allusion to its aroma, from L. Illicium an allurement. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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