Illiciaceae

Abstract

[Extract] Monogeneric family.

Taxonomy. Species of Illicillm were placed by Ridley (FI. Malay Pen. 1 (1922) 18) in Winteraceae. Smith (1947) proposed Illicillm be segregated as Illiciaceae, a monogeneric family, based on its distinct morphological and anatomical characters. Illicium is closely related to Schisandraceae and is included in it by some authors, e.g., Mabberley, PI. Book, 3rd ed, (2008) 429. Heywood (2007) maintains Illiciaceae separate from Schisandraceae in being different in its habit, its bisexual flowers, stamens in 1 to several whorls, carpels arranged in a single whorl, its single ovule, and fruits in a head of radiating 1-seeded follicles.

Uses. Illicium verum Hook.f (star anise; bunga lawang, Malay) from SE China and NE Vietnam is the best known species in the genus, due to its commercial value as a spice and medicine. Its fruits and essential oils are used worldwide as a flavouring agent in various products, such as beverages (liqueurs and brandies), chewing gum, baked goods, gelatine, puddings, meat and meat products (Vu, PROSEA 13, 2 (1999) 130). In the United States, the essential oil (at the maximum permitted level of 0.07%) is also used to scent soap and tobacco. All other species produce poisonous fruits. Vu (1999) also recorded that the fruits of Illicium anisatum L. are used as an insecticide, and as a herbal medicine to treat toothache and dermatitis. No uses for Peninsular Malaysian species are reported.