Description
Illicum –
There are about 40 species of aromatic, evergreen shrubs and small tree , in this genus. They occur in woodland in India, Eastern Asia, and Southeastern USA, and the West Indies. They are grown for their thick, glossy leaves, held alternately or in near-whorls, and their unusually fragrant, Magnolia like, cream to reddish purple flowers, which composed of numerous tepals and their woody, 8 pointed, star shaped fruits. Grow in a woodland garden or shrub border.
Grow in moist but well drained, humus rich, acidic soil, in full to partial shade but will with stand full sun. Shelter from cold, drying winds.
Prone to bacterial spot, anthracnose, stem canker, root tots, and crown rots.
I. henryi – This evergreen shrub or small tree from Central and Western China grows to 25′ feet tall. It has slender leaves, 6″ long and bears cupped flowers, which range in color from copper to dark red, borne in late spring.
Zones 8-11
