Star anise

Star anise (八角) is a spice that closely resembles anise in flavor, obtained from the star-shaped pericarp of the Illicium verum tree, a member of the magnolia family (Family Magnoliaceae) that is native to China. It is widely used in Chinese cuisine, and to a lesser degree in South Asia and Indonesia.

More recently, star anise has come into use in the West as a less expensive substitute for anise in baking as well as in liquor production.