Planting Conditions for Star Anise Trees
Star anise trees belong to the family Illiciaceae and the genus Illicium. They are native to subtropical humid valleys and are distributed in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, and other areas. The fruits and seeds of star anise trees can be used as spices and medicine. They are also used to make toothpaste, soap, perfume, and cosmetics. They have a very high economic value. Let's take a look together!
Temperature Conditions
Star anise trees prefer warm subtropical climates. They require a suitable temperature range for growth of 20-30°C, with a minimum average temperature above 10 degrees and a maximum average temperature of 25-28 degrees. They require an accumulated temperature of more than 6000 degrees per year and a frost-free period of more than 315 days. Short-term light frosts have little effect on plant growth. In places where it snows in winter, it has a significant impact on the growth of star anise trees. When the temperature reaches 10 degrees in February, the star anise trees begin to sprout. When the temperature rises to 13-15 degrees in March, they enter the leaf expansion stage. When the accumulated temperature reaches 3200 degrees in July, flower buds form, and when it exceeds 3400 degrees, they start to bloom.
Humidity Conditions
Star anise trees prefer to grow in humid mountainous climates. They require an annual rainfall of 1200-2000 millimeters, which should be evenly distributed. The relative humidity should be above 80%.
Light Conditions
Star anise trees are shade-tolerant plants. Seedlings prefer to grow in shaded environments and dislike long periods of sunlight. They thrive in conditions with a shade intensity of 70%-80%, and their growth is poor when the shade intensity is below 30%. The leaves may turn yellow or even die. Seedlings grown in shaded conditions require one year to grow. As the plants grow, they gradually require more sunlight. Trees in the flowering and fruiting stage require abundant sunlight but should avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight. Therefore, they are suitable for growth in valleys and slopes with short sunshine duration and relatively closed forests in mountainous areas.
Wind Conditions
Wind has a significant impact on the growth and flowering of star anise trees. Due to their soft wood, fragile branches, shallow main roots, and numerous lateral roots distributed within 50 centimeters of the surface soil, they have weak wind resistance and are prone to being blown down by strong winds. Strong winds are also detrimental to the flowering and fruiting of star anise trees. After entering the fruiting period, the branches are covered with fruits throughout the year, and the second half of the year is the flowering period. Once exposed to strong winds, a large number of flowers and fruits may fall, resulting in reduced yields. When choosing a planting site, it is advisable to arrange it in wind-sheltered foothills and lower slopes and avoid planting in windy areas.
Topographic Conditions
Topography has a significant impact on the growth of star anise trees as it directly affects the duration of sunlight, temperature, humidity, rainfall, soil, and other conditions that are closely related to the growth of star anise trees. From a macro perspective, low mountains with undulating terrain are suitable for the growth of star anise trees. From a micro perspective, good drainage is required, and they are suitable for growth on slopes with a gradient of 15-25 degrees. Low-lying areas with waterlogging, high groundwater levels, and poor drainage are not suitable for the growth of star anise trees. They thrive in hilly areas and low mountainous areas with an elevation of 300-700 meters.
Soil Conditions
The nutrient content in the soil directly affects the yield and quality of star anise trees. They have high yields and superior quality when grown in soils rich in elements such as phosphorus, aluminum, zinc, sulfur, manganese, and potassium. Therefore, they are suitable for growth in loose-textured, deep-soil, rich-organic-matter, and fertile and moist red soils.
