Beechdrops have modified roots that can penetrate beech tree roots and absorb nutrition, but don’t do any discernible harm to the tree, so the theft is a minimal one. Lacking chlorophyll, Indian pipe also feeds off tree roots but in a secondary way. But the Indian pipe penetrates the mycorrhizal threads and absorb nutrients originally produced by the tree roots while returning nothing to the mycorrhiza. Pinesap is a close relation to Indian pipe and looks very similar, but is more a pale yellow to red color. Indian pipe was used for inflamed eyes, bunions, and warts.