Clausena Anisata Oil

#### Clausena Anisata. An essential oil is locally distilled from the leaves of a small tropical tree**, Clausena Anisata**, related to the citrus trees. The tree is cultivated in Indonesia and in East Africa (Tanganyika and Somali), but it is particularly popular in the Philippines where the essential oil is distilled and used for a local brandy, equivalent to the French "anisette". The oil of **Clausena**** ****Anisata**** **is almost colorless or pale yellow and its odor is very similar to that of star anise oil or "true" anise oil (see monographs on **Anise Oil **and **Star Anise Oil). **Frequent attempts have been made to promote the interest in this oil which, after proper rectification, could become a good and low-cost replacement for anise oil or star anise oil. The appearance on the market of synthetic **Anethole**** **from large-scale production in the U.S.A. in the early 1950's and the rapid improvement in the flavor of this synthetic product almost completely wiped out the interest for anise, star anise and similar essential oils in the U.S.A. or other countries where these oils were unavailable due to the fareastern troubles. **Clausena Anisata Oil **is produced in the Philippines and in East Africa exclusively for local use and for the purpose of releasing scarce foreign currency for more important articles. The oil is not regularly available in Europe or in the U.S.A. The annual production of clausena anisata oil is adjusted to the local demand but in view of the abundance of the tree it seems conceivable that this oil could—in case of emergency—cover a good part of the world's demand for the anise-type oils at a reasonable cost.