What is the scientific binomial nomenclature for true anise, distinguished from star anise?
Answer
Pimpinella anisum
True anise, valued historically across ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, is botanically classified by the scientific name *Pimpinella anisum*. This specific species is the source of the seeds used widely in European and Middle Eastern culinary practices and traditional remedies. It is essential to differentiate this from star anise, which is botanically *Illicium verum*, and the highly toxic Japanese star anise, *Illicium anisatum*.
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