Illicium

Family. Schisandraceae.

Where does grow? Japan, Korea, China.

What does look like? Illicium - they are attractive evergreen shrubs or small trees with erect stems.

The leaves are smooth, elliptical, olive green, up to 15 cm long and 2.5 - 5 cm wide, arranged alternately, on small petioles, and when damaged they emit a pleasant aroma.

Flowers are single, up to 5 cm in diameter, burgundy, red, yellow-green, with very long petals, located in the axils of the leaves, and have an unpleasant odor.

The fruits of this plant are very interesting, similar to a star-shaped flower, up to 3 cm in diameter.

Variegated varieties of illicium have white stripes along the edge of the leaf blade, various white spots and marks on the upper side, or a uniform yellow color.

Height. In nature, illicium  reaches 15 m and grows slowly.  When kept at home, the height of plants can be adjusted using formative pruning.

How to grow at home

Care 

Trim illicium  stems after flowering to create a neat, compact shape.  Carry out pruning with a sharply sharpened and sterilized pruner or garden knife.

Reproduction 

Plants are propagated by apical cuttings or seeds, as well as root suckers. Only freshly harvested seeds come out well.

Temperature

In spring and summer, normal room temperature is suitable, but during the cold season it is better to place illicium in a cooler room with a temperature of 6 - 10 ° C. 

Lighting

Prefers partial shade. Plants grown in the shade have beautiful dark green leaves, while illiciums placed in the sun take on a yellowish green color. Direct sun is only permissible if the soil moisture increases.

Soil

This shrub prefers sandy soils with an acidic pH, but easily adapts to any type of soil. 

Fertilizer

Fertilize twice a month in spring and summer - when the bush is actively developing. Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter.

Flowering time

From March to May. 

Spraying 

Spray when the indoor air becomes too dry, for example when the heating is on.

Watering 

Keep the soil evenly moist in spring and summer, always water illicium until the earthen ball is completely soaked. In the autumn-winter period, reduce watering. Do not use hard water for irrigation. 

Transfer 

In spring, annually. For large specimens, simply replace the top layer of soil with a fresh one. 

Pests and diseases

Rare.

Purpose

Grown for its attractive aromatic leaves and flowers.

Note

Essential oils obtained from illicium leaves are used in folk medicine. The leaves are added as seasonings to various dishes and drinks. Remember that the leaves and fruits of some species are toxic. 

Varieties: 

Illicium verum

A short, strong, evergreen tree. The leaves are oblong - lanceolate, green, with numerous branched veins, collected in whorls of 3 - 6 pieces. The surface of the leaf blade is glossy. Illicium  flowers are white, with long and thin petals and yellow stamens, collected in small inflorescences or solitary.