Star anise detail (Illicium verum) Science Image

Ref: 80200361a



Star anise detail. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of one of the arms of the star-shaped seed pods of the Illicium verum tree. This spice is widely used in Chinese, Indian and southeast Asian cuisine and also for alternative medicine. The star-shaped fruit comprises a number of seed pods (usually 8) radiating from a common centre, each of which contains a single glossy, hard coated seed.