Star anise

Even though star anise, which is related to the magnolia, has nothing to do with anise (a relative of fennel), it has an aniselike quality because of its inherent oil, anethole—the same oil found in anise. This star-shaped spice (it has eight “spokes,” each with a hard brown seed in its center) is roasted and ground into a spice blend called bottle masala, which perfumes many curries in Mumbai.