noun
Gastrodia elata; tall gastrodia
A saprophytic orchid native to East Asia, used in traditional medicine. The Japanese name literally means 'demon's arrow shaft'.
オニノヤガラは光合成をせず、菌類から栄養を得る。
Gastrodia elata does not photosynthesize; it obtains nutrients from fungi.
漢方ではオニノヤガラの塊茎を天麻と呼ぶ。
In Kampo medicine, the tuber of Gastrodia elata is called tenma.
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.