Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I’m looking to put a “Florida star anise” plant in with my Veiled Chameleon and Chinese water dragon. Has anybody heard if this is toxic to lizards? If not it seems like a great plant to use its strong and fragrant too. Thanks for the help… Ralph

Hi Ralph,

Star anise (Illicium floridanum) is related to Illicium verum which I wouldn't recommend either. Both of these plants, like many herbs and spices contain a high percentage of essential oils, (thus its use in incense, herbals, potpourri, and some culinary uses as well) that can be quite an irritant to any mucous membrane (nose, mouth). Even if it were to be in a cage with a herp that does not eat vegetation many herb and spice oils are in the leaves and other parts and may be an irritant in other ways. I would stick with the tried and true! Here is a site with info - look at the bottom for their note on toxicity.

lelet

Florida Star Anise

-----
0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 green anoles Jaida & Jetta
0.1 brown anole - Jamaica
0.2 house geckos - Gaia & Tia
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta

i have used anise for bear hunting/photograghy for the past three years. it IS pretty oily...but very effective!lol

dennis

NP

what are u donig attracting bears with star anise LOL!!

what a stranger person likes cricket chirping and attracting black bears....

i don't lknow if it's made from star anise or what. i DO know it smells like black liqerish(?) and work like a charm! raccoons ans squirrels and an occasional deer like it too, i musthave 10 rolls of film with nothing but raccoons and squrriels!lol

my tastes in sounds and smells maybe "unique", i just like outdoorsy smells....except for that dairy smell, i can do without that smell! lol

dennis

yes, star anise is used for cooking--- very powerful, expensive spice from Spice Islands of Indonesia....