Annual herb ( Pimpinella anisum ) of the parsley family, cultivated chiefly for its fruit, called aniseed, which tastes like licorice .
Native to Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean region, anise is cultivated throughout the world. Aniseed is used as a flavouring and as a soothing herbal tea. Star anise is the dried fruit of the evergreen tree Illicium verum ( magnolia family), native to southeastern China and Vietnam. Its flavour and uses are similar to those of anise.