Gastrodia elata; tall gastrodia
A saprophytic orchid native to East Asia, used in traditional medicine. The Japanese name literally means 'demon's arrow shaft'.
Gastrodia elata does not photosynthesize; it obtains nutrients from fungi.
In Kampo medicine, the tuber of Gastrodia elata is called tenma.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare and mostly found in botanical contexts; the kana forms are preferred.
The name オニノヤガラ (鬼の矢幹) literally means 'demon's arrow shaft', likely from the plant's tall, straight flowering stalk. The exact origin of the name is uncertain.