It's not an insect; it isn't cat food. It's not even the Greek god of beer, wine and love. But it is, in fact, a tree.

But not just any tree. It's the Acacia tree --where Acacia fraternity, 234 Locust Lane, gets its name.

Many students aren't aware that Acacia doesn't have traditional Greek letters. But some tried to give it a few like "Alpha Chi Alpha Chi Iota Alpha" and "Alpha Kappa Alpha Kappa," which is used at some Acacia fraternities in the Midwest but not encouraged here, said Craig Huse, Acacia president.

And when asked what Acacia fraternity stands for, some people stared blankly with a distraught look of confusion and then embarrassment followed by the unwilling admission of "cluelessness."

But members said they enjoy the mystique the name carries.

"(It's) definitely unique. It draws more attention to our house and makes us more original," said Jeffrey Solensky (sophomore-biochemistry), a fraternity member.

Members said the name reflects the diversity of the house and its members.

Acacia originated from a group of masons who wanted to form a fraternity unique to the Greek system.

They tried, in many ways, to be different from other fraternities, according to the book, Acacia Fraternity: The First Half Century.

In the past, founders selected Hebrew letters to designate its chapters and selected members from the Fraternal Order of Freemasons -- a restrictive group for older professional men.

To distinguish itself even more from traditional fraternities which have Greek letters for names, the Order decided to choose the Greek word instead. And Acacia was choosen for its symbolic overtones.

The Acacia tree tolerates a wide range of climate and soil conditions. Known for its ruggedness, tenacity and ability to survive rough conditions, the tree represents the ideals Acacia strives for in its brotherhood, said Peter Pizzutillo, Acacia vice president.

Founders attempted to select members that were "determined to keep their fraternity free from some of the besetting sins of college fraternities of its day -- drinking, gambling and loose women," according to Acacia Fraternity: The First Half Century.

Times may have changed since 1904, but the principles behind the name remain the same, Huse said.

Today, the Acacia tree's meaning still symbolizes what the founders aspired to be -- strong, persistent survivors, Pizzutillo said.

Acacia members agreed that the unusual name is a conversation piece, but it also has its disadvantages.

Rushees may be confused because the organization doesn't have traditional letters, Huse said, adding that many people think it's local and don't know that it's an international fraternity.

But the name isn't the only unique feature of the fraternity.

The fraternity requires pledges to live in the house during pledging, Pizzutillo said.

The pledge process is unique because it "really enables you to get to know the pledge class and get close to the brothers," said Curtis Ardle (junior-business logistics), a Acacia member.

Members are also required to live in the house to maintain active membership, Huse said.

"In the house, we have 65 best friends and it makes the campus a lot smaller," he said.