Spices are not only very aromatic and health, but they also have variety of shapes. Not everyone knows that popular cinnamon sticks are obtained from the bark of cinnamon tree, which changes into a characteristic roll when it dries. Anise stars, which also have some decorative qualities, are obtained from the evergreen tropical tree. Vanilla sticks and black pepper are also obtained from fruits. Cloves, the shape of which reminds little nails, are obtained from the buds of a clove-tree. The buds must be picked before they blossom. Golden strings of saffron are obtained from the parts of flower carpels of a tropical crocus and they are picked by hand, whereas nutmeg and cardamom are the seeds of tropical plants.