Florida Anisetree

Description

The Florida anise tree has large evergreen lance shaped leaves that are lustrous and dark green. When crushed the leaf has a sweet odor, described as being "anise-like". The leaf of this plant can also be observed as having a parallel main vein. Within the leaf of this shrub, a flower also grows. The flower has 20-30 maroon colored petals. The petals are measured to be 2 inches in diameter. The flower is attractive, and it is often overlooked within the lush shiny foliage. The flower is said to have a fish-like odor. If the flower is ripe, the seed explodes out of the star- shaped fruit.This plant has a variety that can be produced in cultivation through selective breeding. Depending on the breeding, white flowers can be observed. When the flower of the Illicium Floridanum plant is fully expanded, it can be described as being the size of a dollar.