Gastrodia elata is a chlorophyll-lacking saprophytic
orchid plant that inhabits wood floors. It makes big oblong tuberous
roots of around 10cm in length, gradually becoming hollow as the
terrestrial part grows up. Flower stalks are 0.6-1m tall, tinge
yellow-red, and wear some membranaceous ramenta. Flowers, many in
number, are yellow-brown and bloom in a racemose manner in
June-July. |