Illicium ekmanii, commonly known as Hispaniolan star anise, is a species of flowering plant in the family Schisandraceae. It is a shrub or tree native to Hispaniola. The species was described in 1947, and is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Taxonomy The species was described by Albert Charles Smith in 1947.
Three subspecies are recognised: Illicium ekmanii subsp. domingense - native to the Dominican Republic Illicium ekmanii subsp. ekmanii - Native to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Illicium ekmanii subsp. selleanum - native to Haiti
The type locality is in the Massif du Nord, Haiti.
Distribution Illicium ekmanii is native to the wet tropical biome of Hispaniola (the Dominican Republic and Haiti). Its estimated extent of occurrence is . The species grows in moist montane forests, at elevations of .
Description Illicium ekmanii is a shrub or tree that grows up to high.
Uses Illicium ekmanii is used in medicine, and as a source of charcoal. The fruits are harvested for use as a star anise substitute.
Conservation In 2022, the IUCN assessed Illicium ekmanii as Vulnerable. It is threatened by fire, agriculture, and overharvesting. The species occurs in protected areas of the Dominican Republic, and has been planted as part of a reforestation programme.
Nomenclature In English, Illicium ekmanii is commonly known as "Hispaniolan Star Anise". In Spanish, it is known as , , or .
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