hoja santa (also hierba santa and many other versions), Piper sanctum, a plant whose large leaves are described as having an anise flavour (or resembling sassafras) and are used in the cuisines of various parts of mexico and central america, e.g. to provide a wrapping for fish, or in soups.
© the Estate of Alan Davidson 1999, 2006, 2014 © in the Editor’s contribution to the second and third editions, Oxford University Press 2006, 2014.