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Illicium

(Science: 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.