Chinese Star Anise and Japanese Shikimi are 2 closely related plants of the same genus that seem to originated somewhere in Yunnan and been spread across the rest of Asia by humans.
Shikimi however unlike Chinese star anise is ALERT toxic dangerous poisonous
Do not ingest it
It seems to have been planted around Buddhist temples shrines and graveyards as an insect and animal deterrent and because of its limited medicinal applications (experts only!) and the use of the leaves for making incense when dried and powdered and because of the lingering fragrance of its flowers and leaves made it popular as a plant for altars.
Do not confuse it with Chinese Star Anise which is called Ba Jiao and is perfectly safe
If you're tempted to plant it for the fragrance and religious and cultural associations make sure people know its fruit and seeds are dangerous and INEDIBLE
While researching this nearly every site describing this plant mentioned stories of people confusing the two plants even in Asia and mixing them together.
Yes its that dangerous but I can see how those white flowers would appeal to the Japanese !
Next time back to Hydrangeas
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