Star anise, scientifically known as Illicium verum, is an evergreen small, medium-sized tree from the plant family Star anise, scientifically known as Illicium verum, is an evergreen small, medium-sized tree from the plant family Illiciaceae. The most common species of the Illicium genus are star anise (Illicium verum), Japanese anise (Illicium anisatum), Mexican anise (Illicium mexicanum) and star aniseed (Illicium anisatum). It is grown in tropical areas of East Asia and Southeast Asia and has 42 species and 166 varieties. They all vary in habitat, physical structure and chemical composition. Star anise is the most common species. Star anise is known by many names. It is called bÄdiyÄn (Persian), phoolchakri (Hindi), badiane (French), badian (Urdu), and star anise (English). The potential uses of star anise may vary depending upon origin and growing conditions. It may help with colic (severe stomach pain), flatulence, whooping cough, tuberculosis and liver diseases. 1
Saccharum spontaneum is the scientific name for kaash phool. It blooms yearly around the same time, signalling the end of the rains and the beginning of autumn. Every year, Bengalis look forward to the kaash phool blooms. They used to grow all over Kolkata, but they are now uncommon due to the city's replacement of farms and open spaces with concrete jungles.
Kaash phool is commonly regarded as a weed. It can reach a height of 5 metres. According to scientists, it is a tenaciously invasive species known to colonise grasslands and endanger croplands. Saccharum spontaneum can also be found on river banks, the sides of roads and railways, waste ground, and the borders of ponds and lakes.
When you think of kaash phool, you immediately think of the classic sequence from Satyajit Ray's award-winning film Pather Panchali. The film depicts the child protagonist Apu and his sister Durga running across a field of kaash phool. When they hear a train whistle, the kids dash towards it through the lovely field of flowers.
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