noun
Gleichenia japonica; urajiro fern
A species of fern with distinctive white undersides of the leaves; often used in traditional New Year decorations.
ウラジロはお正月の飾りによく使われる。
Urajiro ferns are often used in New Year decorations.
noun
white underside; white bottom
Original literal meaning; now mostly encountered in the plant name or in historical contexts.
「裏白」という漢字は、文字通り白い裏側を意味する。
The kanji 裏白 literally mean 'white underside'.
From 裏 (ura, 'back') + 白 (shiro, 'white'), referring to the white underside of the fern's leaves.