Illiciaceae

plant family

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The family Illiciaceae is now considered a synonym for the genus Illicium within the family Schisandraceae. This family consists of shrubs and trees with evergreen, aromatic leaves and bisexual flowers. The genus Illicium contains 42 species, including the star anise (Illicium verum). Star anise is known for its characteristic woody fruit composed of joined podlike follicles, each releasing a single seed. The dried fruits are a source of oil of star anise, used for flavoring and in perfumes. Star anise is also a source of shikimic acid, used in the synthesis of the antiviral drug oseltamivir.12

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Schisandraceae
Schisandraceae and the former family Illiciaceae were previously placed in the order Illiciales, but the taxonomy of the group was revised by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group under the APG III system.
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Schisandraceae and the former family Illiciaceae were previously placed in the order Illiciales, but the taxonomy of the group was revised by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group under the APG III system.
Read More