just ran across this article from a part of a larger article about cut florals in florida from EDIS. have you ever grown this?

Illicium # (Florida anise-tree, purple anise, Chinese
anise, star anise). These aromatic shrubs require little care
and will tolerate temperatures of 14° to 23°F [–5° to –10°C].
I. floridanum # (Florida anise, purple anise) is a native
while I. anisatum, formerly I. religiosum, (Chinese anise,
star anise) is introduced. Anise cuttings are long lasting
and are used as grave decorations in Buddhist temples in
Japan. The anise fragrance of the foliage adds extra interest
to this crop. Illicium foliage can be air dried or glycerine
treated and used as line and filler material.