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ANISE
Pimpinella anisum L., family Umbelliferae

Anise is a minor crop cultivated for its seeds or the oil pressed from them which are used in condiments, beverages, medicines, soaps, and perfumery. Probably no more than a few hundred acres are grown in the United States.

Plant:

Anise is a pubescent annual about 2 feet high (fig. 36). It is usually planted in 15- to 30-inch rows, the plants thinned to 6-inch intervals. Planting is usually in the springtime in temperate climates, although Griffiths et al. (1946*) recommended that it be planted in September in Arizona.

Inflorescence:

The small but copious yellowish-white flowers are in large loose umbels and appear in late summer, about 3 months after planting if the seeds were planted in the spring. Pellett (1947*) reported that the blossoms, which are attractive to honey bees, yield a light-colored honey with a mild elusive flavor. Sievers (1948) stated that 400 to 600 pounds of seed per acre was an annual yield, Rosengarten (1969*) mentioned 500 to 800 pounds. Griffiths et al. (1946*) stated that 600 pounds per acre could be expected in Arizona. The influence of insect pollination on seed production was apparently not considered in relation to these yields.

[gfx] FIGURE 36. - Anise plant in full bloom.

Pollination Requirements:

No reference could be found on the relation of pollinating agents to production of anise, although its flower structure and family relationship would indicate that it benefits from, if it is not entirely dependent upon, insect pollination. Hawthorn and Pollard (1954*) support this by stating that insufficient insect pollination frequently results in reduced yields of some crops, including anise. Growers interested in obtaining the highest possible yields of anise should, therefore, give consideration to its insect pollination.

Pollinators:

Although there seems to be little information on the insect pollination of anise, the honey bee could probably pollinate it adequately, considering the flower's structure and its reported attraction to honey bees.

Pollination Recommendations and Practices:

None.

LITERATURE CITED:

SIEVER, A. F.
1948. PRODUCTION OF DRUG AND CONDIMENT PLANTS U.S. Dept. Agr. Farmers' Bul. 1999, 99 pp.