Enjoy Frontier Natural Anise Star Whole (1x0.64Oz). Star anise is the distinctive fruit of an evergreen tree, Illicium verum. Related to the magnolia, it has a whitish, aromatic trunk and grows to about 26 feet. The star anise is the unripe fruit that's been picked and dried. It's sold both whole and ground into an aromatic, red-brown powder. It's also known as anise star, takkola, and Chinese star anise.. Note: description is informational only. Please refer to ingredients on the product before use. Please address any health or dietary questions to your health professional before using this item.