Tuberous sword fern is native to northern Australia and Asia, where it grows in swamps, along ditches, and as an epiphyte on other plants and rocks. The genus name means kidney-scale in Greek, referencing the spore covering; cordifolia is Latin for heart-leaf. The erect, sword-shaped fronds reach 3 feet in cultivation, though in their native habitat they extend to 7 feet. Unlike most ferns, this species tolerates dry soil, poor conditions, and full sun — qualities that contribute both to its garden versatility and its invasive potential in warm climates.

In non-invasive regions, it works well as groundcover on slopes or in mass plantings where erosion control is a priority. As a houseplant, place it in bright indirect light and feed with slow-release fertilizer every six months if growth seems sluggish, taking care not to burn the shallow roots. In Hawaii, the fronds are used to make wrist and ankle lei — a detail that speaks to just how vigorous and available the plant is in tropical settings. Gardeners in Florida should seek native sword fern alternatives.