SPECIES: Illicium (il-li-si-um, Latin for something enticing, in allusion to pleasant aroma) anisatum (a-ni-say'tum, meaning anise-scented). Member of magnolia family.

SIZE: 6-10, occasionally 15 feet tall, 8-10 feet wide; grown as large evergreen shrub or small tree. Moderate growth rate.

EXPOSURE: Sun or shade; does best in partial shade.

FOLIAGE: Leathery and aromatic 2- to 4-inch glossy, narrowly oval leaves.

FLOWERS: Inch-wide creamy to yellowish-greenish nonfragrant spring flowers.

FRUIT: Small, one-seeded pods arranged in a ring.

CULTURE: Medium drainage, high fertility, medium to high moisture but tolerates drier soil. Hardy in Zones 7, 8, 9.

PRUNING: None required.

PROBLEMS: None serious.

USES: Privacy screening, hedge, large specimen plant or small tree; trouble-free replacement for red-tip photinias

RELATED VARIETY: Florida anisetree, Raulston recommended selection, hardy to Zone 8. Spring flowers dark purple-red; foliage olive green with red-purple petioles, or stem stalks; 6-10 feet tall, 5-8 feet wide. Sun or shade, good-draining fertile soil, high moisture. No pest problems.