Illicium verum

8.5

A small tree from China and Vietnam with star-shaped fruit that smell of anise and are used as a spice

noun

Specialized

: anís estrellado

The fruits of Illicium verum are often mistaken for those of similar but toxic species.

Examples

Many traditional Chinese dishes include Illicium verum for its distinctive aroma and flavor.
Extracts from Illicium verum are valued for their use in herbal medicine.
The Illicium verum tree thrives in tropical climates.
Many chefs use Illicium verum for its unique flavor.
Extracts from Illicium verum are valued for their use in herbal medicine.
Many traditional Chinese dishes include Illicium verum for its distinctive aroma and flavor.
The fruits of Illicium verum are often mistaken for those of similar but toxic species.

Synonyms

Chinese anise

vsIllicium verum

7.5

A small tree from China that has star-shaped pods used as a spice

is the specific species noted for its star-shaped fruit and carminative use

anise tree

vsIllicium verum

8.4

An evergreen shrub or tree with strong-smelling leaves and seeds used as a spice and for scent

refers to one particular species rather than the whole genus

Surface Forms

Illicium verum singular

Illicium verums plural

Morphology

Illicium + verum

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name rather than a compositional English phrase; its referent (star anise) is a specialized botanical term not inferable from the parts. The second element 'verum' is not an English lexical item here and even knowing 'Illicium' (a plant genus) would not allow a B1 learner to derive the specific sense of a star-shaped, anise-scented spice and medicinal use.

Etymology

Illicium verum gets its name from Latin: Illicium comes from a word meaning 'to attract' because the star-shaped fruit has a strong, sweet smell, and verum means 'true' to show it is the real star anise used in cooking and medicine. So the name helps you remember this plant as the fragrant, 'true' spice.