Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Illicium \Il*li"ci*um\, n. [So called, in allusion to its aroma,
   from L. illicium an allurement.] (Bot.)
   A genus of Asiatic and American magnoliaceous trees, having
   star-shaped fruit; star anise. The fruit of Illicium anisatum
   is used as a spice in India, and its oil is largely used in
   Europe for flavoring cordials, being almost identical with
   true oil of anise.

Source : WordNet®

Illicium
     n : anise trees: evergreen trees with aromatic leaves [syn: {genus
         Illicium}]