Anise

Anise (Pimpinella Anisum), an umbelliferous plant native to the Levant and long cultivated in Europe for its aromatic fruits, which are known as aniseed. On distillation these fruits yield oil of anise, which is also obtained from fennel, tarragon, and star-anise. The latter plant is entirely distinct from the true anise, being the genus Illicium of the order Magnoliaceae, and having star-shaped fruits. Aniseed is carminative, but is largely employed in liqueurs.