There is a continuum, and at the parasitic end you'll find Gastrodia Elata. It has basically no leaves at least in its herbally desirable expression where the tuber is called Tian Ma or colloquially "expensive potato".
The wild version is (should be!) unavailable because it's considered endangered, the cultivated version costs $80/lb. I know it well; I take small amounts of it in combination with Gou Teng and otherthings mumble.
The wild version is (should be!) unavailable because it's considered endangered, the cultivated version costs $80/lb. I know it well; I take small amounts of it in combination with Gou Teng and otherthings mumble.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrodia_elata