Aniseed myrtle, Ringwood, Aniseed Tree
Syzygium anisatum

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A large evergreen tree. It grows 10-50 m high. The bark is reddish-brown and corky. The crown is dense. The leaves are 5-10 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. They are sword shaped and pointed. They are shiny and green. They have an aniseed scent. The flowers are creamy white and 0.5-0.8 cm across. The flowers are white and have a sweet scent. They occur in groups. The fruit are funnel shaped. The fruit is a dry papery capsule 5 mm long.

There are 8 Backhousia species. They occur in Australia. It is damaged by myrtle rust.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the Australian rainforest. It can be in dry subtropical or humid tropical zones. It is best in medium to heavy soils. It needs a protected, partly shaded position. It is damaged by drought and frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fresh leaves are used whole like bay leaves in flavoured vinegars and oils. The dried ground leaves are used to flavour meat, seafood, cheeses, bread, teas etc. The leaves are the source of an essential used for flavouring ice cream. The leaves and flowers can be used as a spice. They are dried and ground and used in small amounts in sauces and to flavour baked goods.

It is now a cultivated spice crop.

Edible parts

Leaves, flavouring, fruit, spice, oil, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Cuttings are slow to strike.

Its other names

Local names

Ringwood

Synonyms

Anetholea anisata (Vickery) Peter G. Wilson; Backhousia anisata J. Vickery;