Star Anise is undisputedly the prettiest spice of them all. Native to China and Vietnam, star anise is the fruit of an evergreen magnolia tree and is grown almost exclusively in southern China, Indo-China, and Japan. It has a strong anise flavour, with a liquorice-like aroma. Excellent in slow-cooking casseroles. Star Anise is also used to flavour alcoholic drinks such as pastis.