Anise (Aniseed)
Pimpinella anisum, also called aniseed, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. Its flavor his similar to some other spices, such as star anise, fennel, and liquorice. Anise also is known as aniseed, and sweet cumin.
Anise flowers are born in umbels like Queen Anne’s Lace. The seeds are the useful part of the plant and resemble caraway and carrot seeds. It is easy to grow anise and the feathery leaves are borne on slightly purple stems. The plant, which grows just under 2 feet tall, requires a warm growing season of at least 120 days.
Anise is widely cultivated in many European and Asian countries but has not been an important crop in the United States.