Japanese holly fern
A species of fern (Cyrtomium fortunei) native to East Asia, often found in thickets or shady areas. The name literally means 'bush sago palm' but refers to a fern.
The Japanese holly fern is a fern that grows well even in the shade.
Japanese holly ferns are growing in a cluster in the corner of the garden.
蘇鉄 (sotetsu) is the sago palm, a cycad, while ヤブソテツ is a fern. Despite the name, they are not closely related.
Hiragana spelling is also used, though katakana is more typical for plant names.
Kanji form is rare and mainly encountered in botanical contexts or older texts.
Alternate kanji form, even less common; may appear in specialized literature.
Compound of 藪 (yabu, 'thicket') and 蘇鉄 (sotetsu, 'sago palm'), referring to its habitat and superficial resemblance to the sago palm. The exact derivation is uncertain, but the name is descriptive.