Illicium ternstroemioides is a species of tree in the family Schisandraceae, or alternately, the Illiciaceae.

It is native to northern Vietnam and Hainan Island in China.

Leathery, pointed, ovate leaves up to 13 centimeters long are borne in clusters along the branches.

The flower has 10 to 14 papery to somewhat fleshy red tepals of varying lengths, up to 1.2 centimeters.

[2] The tree grows in ravines and near rivers in forest habitat.