Elfroot

The plant commonly referred to as "elfroot" is a ubiquitous form of plant life that grows in nearly every temperate climate across Alwaus. A primary staple of alchemy, the plant is technically called "Wild Crassenfold" but rarely referred to as such outside of literary or botanical circles. Despite it commonality (or perhaps because of it) elfroot is a valuable plant for foragers as it is nearly impossible to cultivate and is one of the most versatile alchemical catalysts on the continent. 
A windly-thin trunk on the plant gives it a "vine-like" appearance, but unlike actual vines the actual structure of the plant is strong enough to support itself with reinforcement. The leaves on the plant are most desirable when in their dark green or even light-pink phase but appear more yellow-ish for juvenile or sickly plants. Over harvesting of elfroot is a common concern in most areas, and many local purchasers will simply refuse to purchase yellowed elfroot on principal alone. 
Used in all but the most complex or expensive potions and tonics in mainland Alwaus, the plant gives a slight "mold" flavor to anything it is added to, which makes it undesirable for direct consumption. In fact many who claim to dislike the "taste" of potions or tonics are in fact expressing their distaste for the flavor of elfroot and are simply ignorant that the plant is added to nearly all commercially available alchemical recipes.