anise

     

Anise or Anisee, less commonly anís (stressed on the second syllable) (Pimpinella anisum), is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwest Asia. It is a herbaceous annual plant growing to 3ft (1m) tall. The leaves at the base of the plant are simple,0.5 in - 2 in (2-5 cm) long and shallowly lobed, while leaves higher on the stems are feathery pinnate, divided into numerous leaflets. The flowers are white, 3 mm diameter, produced in dense umbels. The fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp, 3-5 mm long.

Trivia about anise

  • These licorice-flavored seeds flavor ouzo, a Greek liqueur
  • This member of the parsley family has a distinctive licorice flavor & is an ingredient in ouzo
  • The ancient Romans hung this licorice-flavored plant near their windows to prevent bad dreams

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