Anise - Pimpinella anisum
200 Seeds.
Sow March - April
Half-hardy annual.
Prefers a light, dry, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Height 30-45cm (12-18in).
Sow in shallow drills, cover lightly with fine soil or compost. Thin to about 30cm apart. The seedlings will not readily transplant. Water if dry.
This herb has a woody root that produces a round, ridged, branching, mid-green stem. The lower leaves are aromatic, toothed, round, lobed and mid-green, while the upper leaves are finely divided and feathery. The small star-like flowers are white to yellowish white, which appear in late summer. The grey-brown seed is aromatic, ridged and flattened.
Grow near coriander to improve germination.
Anise
Also known as Aniseed. From the family Umbelliferae.
Anise is native to the Middle East. Although its name does not have a particular meaning, the plant itself is associated with health and is though to aid digestion. It has been cultivated for much of recorded history. The Egyptians grew their native Anise in quantity to supply food, drink and medicine from its leaves and seeds. Hippocrates recommended it for coughs and the Roman scholar Pliny used it as a breath freshener.