Answer:
Though not a plant I have leaves. though not a beast I have spine. Though many wouldn't need me I am more valuable than wine.
I have a hundred legs but cannot stand a long neck but no head and I eat the maid's life. What am I?
What goes up but never comes down?
I'm not really more than holes tied to more holes; I'm strong as good steel, though not as stiff as a pole.
What is it that after you take away the whole some still remains?
It flows out of the soil, It burns you if it boils, And holds us in its coils, More valuable than gold, As black as it is old.