Co-Evolved Species - Star Anise

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Did you know that Star Anise comes from one of the oldest lineages of flowering plants on Earth?

Although it is best known as a spice used in cooking, its evolutionary history traces back to some of the earliest angiosperms, making it a living link to the origins of flowering plants.

Geological Time Scale

Species Age

The species Illicium verum originated during:

Eon: Phanerozoic
Era: Cenozoic
Period: Quaternary
Epoch: Holocene
Approximate age of cultivation: More than 1,000 years ago in China

Deep Time History

Origin of land plants: ~470 million years ago
Origin of flowering plants (angiosperms): ~140 million years ago
Origin of the ancient angiosperm lineage containing Illicium: ~120–130 million years ago
Diversification of the genus Illicium: tens of millions of years ago
Human cultivation in China: over 1,000 years ago
Worldwide culinary and medicinal use: present day

Evolutionary Origin

An Ancient Flowering Plant

Early flowering plants
Ancient angiosperm lineage (Austrobaileyales)
Genus Illicium
Illicium verum (Star Anise)
Human cultivation and domestication

Key Evolutionary Traits

Primitive flowering plant characteristics

Production of aromatic oils for defense

Star-shaped fruit protecting seeds

Adaptation to warm, humid forests of Southeast Asia

Relationship with Humans

Culinary Importance

Used for centuries in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine.

Main ingredient in Chinese Five-Spice Powder.

Added to soups, teas, desserts, and beverages.

Provides a sweet, licorice-like flavor.

Pharmaceutical Importance

Rich source of shikimic acid.

Used in the production of antiviral medications such as Tamiflu.

Demonstrates the importance of plants in modern medicine.

Shows how biodiversity benefits human health.

Cultural and Economic Importance

Cultivated in China and Vietnam for over 1,000 years.

Supports local farmers and agricultural economies.

Traded worldwide as a valuable spice.

Associated with traditional medicine and cultural practices in Asia.

References:

ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Star anise. ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/star-anise

Patra, J. K., Das, G., Bose, S., Banerjee, S., Vishnuprasad, C. N., Rodriguez-Torres, M. D. P., & Shin, H.-S. (2020). Star anise (Illicium verum): Chemical compounds, antiviral properties, and clinical relevance. Phytotherapy Research, 34(6), 1248–1267. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6614

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