s just over an inch across. Star anise is popular in Asian cusine and is an imporant ingredient in traditional Chinese Five Spice Powder, Indian Garam Masala and other Asian spice mixes. There is also a Japanese star anise, but it is toxic.
It's aromatic nature has lead to it's place in folk medicine as a remedy for certain ailments. In fact, star anise plays an imporant role in the production of the drug Tamiflu. Star anise is the commercial source of shikimic acid which is used in it's product