illicium

‖n. [ So called, in allusion to its aroma, from L. illicium an allurement. ] (Bot.) A genus of Asiatic and American magnoliaceous trees, having star-shaped fruit; star anise. The fruit of Illicium anisatum is used as a spice in India, and its oil is largely used in Europe for flavoring cordials, being almost identical with true oil of anise. [ 1913 Webster ]