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.
Katakana spelling is the most common written form for this plant name; usually written in kana.
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.