Characteristics

The anise plant grows as an annual herbaceous plant and reaches a height of approximately 10 to 60 cm. The taproot is slender. The upright, strongly branched stem is slightly hairy. The entire plant is highly aromatic.

The flowers are arranged in compound umbels with (7 to 15), usually twelve rays (so-called double umbels).

The flowering period lasts from June to September.

The fruits are dry, two-part schizocarps, also called double achenes, which can be harvested in August and September.

Medicinal Effects

Anise oil, obtained from the fruits (Anisi fructus) through distillation, is used as a cough remedy because of its mucus-loosening effect. It also has antibacterial properties and helps relieve cramps and flatulence.