Tunisia Post (Office National des Postes Tunisie) has issued the stamp series feature their medicinal plants on June 28 , 2011. The issue stamps comprised of 4 single stamps depicted medicinal plants such as: Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Garlic (Allium sativum), Lemon Verbena (Lippa tryphilla), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).
Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a herbaceous annual plant in the family Apiaceae that can grow to 3 ft tall. The leaves at the base of the plant are simple, 0.5–2 in long and shallowly lobed, while leaves higher on the stems are feathery pinnate, divided into numerous leaves. The flowers are white, approximately 3 mm diameter, produced in dense umbels. The fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp, 3 – 5 mm long, usually called "aniseed".
Green Anise plants grow best in light, fertile, well drained soil. The seeds should be planted as soon as the ground warms up in spring. Its native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia.
Green Anise is sweet and very aromatic, distinguished by its characteristic flavor which has some similarities with liquorice, fennel, and tarragon. Anise contains anethole, a phytoestrogen and has been used to treat menstrual cramps. Its essential oil has reportedly been used as an insecticide against head-lice and mites. Western cuisines have long used anise to flavor some dishes, drinks, and candies.
