anise tree

/ˌænəs tri/

Definitions of anise tree

1. noun

   any of several evergreen shrubs and small trees of the genus Illicium
   types:

   Illicium floridanum, purple anise

   small shrubby tree with purple flowers; found in wet soils of southeastern United States

   Illicium anisatum, star anise

   small shrubby tree of Japan and Taiwan; flowers are not fragrant

   Chinese anise, Illicium verum, star anise

   small tree of China and Vietnam bearing anise-scented star-shaped fruit used in food and medicinally as a carminative

   type of:

   tree

   a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms