The umbrella fern, also known as Sticherus flabellatus, has several synonyms. It is sometimes referred to as the fan fern or the umbrella tree fern due to its characteristic umbrella-like shape. Other names for this plant include the flabellate fern, which comes from the Latin term for fan shape, and the forest umbrella fern, which indicates its natural habitat. In some regions, it is also called the Japanese umbrella fern or the African umbrella fern, depending on its origin. Despite these various names, the umbrella fern is a popular ornamental plant known for its unique appearance and resilience.