For thousands of years the seeds of Anise have been used as a spice to flavour foods, liquors and herbal teas. Traditionally the seeds are used in the Mediterranean area as a remedy for bronchitis, gall bladder problems, liver problems and poor appetite. Anise is native to the Mediterranean and prefers light, dry soils in an open, sunny position. Flowers are small and white, occurring in compound umbels and appearing in summer. Drought resistant but frost tender. An annual plant, growing to 0.45m x 0.3m.