Anise is an erect, tender annual with thin roots. It grows up to two feet. The lower leaves are broad, toothed and triangular with upper leaves. The upper leaves are smaller, divided and narrow. The flowers, small and whitish, are followed by the fruit, the Anise seed. The seeds vary from gray-green to brownish. It is also ribbed and ovate.
Anise is mixed with cakes, biscuits and breads. It is used in popular drinks such as pernod, ricard, ojen, raki, ouzo and arrak. The spice is also antiseptic, antispasmodic and soporific.