Star anise is technically the fruit of the evergreen tree Illicium verum. However, this fruit is not used as an edible fruit, only as a spice.
What blessing do the authorities determine is the right one to recite before smelling it?
I would think hanosein reiach tov bapeiros because it is a fruit.
I would think borei atzei vesamim because it is an inedible tree part.
I would think borei minei vesamim because it is indeterminable.
Star anise, see the comment-section in this article where it is said that the blessing should be בורא עצי בשמים, as found in Shulchan Aruch , Orach Chayim, Siman 216.
For reference - According to Dinonline, a person should make the בורא עשבי בשמים - borei isvei besamim - blessing upon smelling anise (not star anise) because it's a spice.
This, however, only applies when you want to smell the fragrance:
Note that one only makes a berachah upon smelling tea with the intention of enjoying its scent. If one takes the tea to drink it, and only smells the scent inadvertently, one would not make a blessing.
