yellow bird's-nest; pinesap; false beechdrops
A mycoheterotrophic plant (Monotropa hypopitys) that lacks chlorophyll and grows in forests. The Japanese name refers to its resemblance to a Buddhist monk's staff (錫杖).
Pinesap is an unusual plant that does not photosynthesize.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare; the plant is usually written in kana.
The name シャクジョウソウ (錫杖草) comes from the plant's resemblance to a 錫杖 (shakujō), a Buddhist monk's staff. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.