Is a plant really a plant if it has no leaves, no roots and grows underground?

Samples of a rare breed of orchid found in only a handful of locations in NSW have been sent to the Netherlands for genetic testing to determine the plant's uniqueness.

The Eastern Underground Orchid.

The eastern underground orchid is one of a very small number of plants found around the world that cannot photosynthesis.

"The vulnerable NSW orchid does not get its energy from the sun, lacks roots and leaves, and instead relies on fungus to act as its substitute root system and to provide it with food," said Greg Steenbeeke