Thursday, 8 August 2013

FFF90 - JAPANESE STAR ANISE

Illicium anisatum, commonly known as the Japanese star anise, is a tree similar to Chinese star anise. It is highly toxic, therefore it is not edible; instead, it has been burned as incense in Japan, where it is known as shikimi. Cases of illness, including serious neurological effects such as seizures, reported after using star anise tea may be a result of using this species.

I. anisatum is native to Japan. It is similar to I. verum, but its fruit is smaller and with weaker odour, which is said to be more similar to cardamom than to anise. While it is poisonous and therefore unsuitable for using internally, it is used for treatment of some skin problems in traditional Chinese medicine.

Join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so!
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16 comments:

  1. Minoru Saito8 August 2013 at 06:26

    Hi! Thank you for uploading a Japanese star anise flower photo. We usually use the Japanese star anises as the flower arrangement of the Buddist altar.
    Chinese star anises are used as the ingredient of Chinese dishes.

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  2. Birgitta8 August 2013 at 09:06

    What a lovely white flower! Good shot!

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  3. Unknown8 August 2013 at 10:00

    Pretty flower!

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  4. Unknown8 August 2013 at 11:23

    Wow it looks very fragile and pure. Love it!

    Mary, MI

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  5. Sara Chapman8 August 2013 at 21:29

    That's a new one to me. Informative and an exquisite photo.

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  6. Joanne Olivieri8 August 2013 at 23:00

    Those are such sweet flowers and a fabulous capture.

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  7. Arija9 August 2013 at 03:40

    New to me too and a beautiful flower.
    I could not lift your logo because it is linked . I would love it if you could either post an unlinked one or send me one.

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  8. Anonymous9 August 2013 at 05:06

    Hello,
    what wonderful delicate blossoms, so beautiful ♥
    Have a nice weekend,
    moni

    Thanks if you visit my blog
    http://www.reflexionblog.de

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  9. LindyLouMac9 August 2013 at 10:27

    I am so pleased to be back here, a lovely flower to welcome me.

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  10. Arija9 August 2013 at 19:16

    Nick, does the Japanese Star Anise grow in Melbourne??? or did you take the shot in Japan? I am glad you mentioned it's toxicity, too few realise how poisonous so many plants can be that are used for medicinal purposes when used out of context.

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  11. Regina 10 August 2013 at 00:45

    Lovely one!

    Happy weekend to all!

    Regina

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  12. lorik10 August 2013 at 03:29

    Pretty flower - i like its white shapes and light.

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  13. Unknown10 August 2013 at 05:08

    Great shot. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. Karen10 August 2013 at 13:15

    It's a pretty little bloom!

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  15. Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪11 August 2013 at 02:37

    http://annsnowchin.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/flowers-pink-tulip.html thanks for info abt the anise

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  16. Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪11 August 2013 at 02:41

    http://annsnowchin.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/flowers-purple.html I can't link my post.

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