75 
Engler, in his “Syllabus der Pflanzen-familien ” (1898), gives the place of 
Casuarina as follows :— 
Embryophyta Siphonogama. 
ii. Angiospermse. 
2. Class Dicotyledonese. 
1. Sub-class Archichlamydefe. 
1. Series Verticillatae. 
The Verticellatse includes Casuarinacese solely. Series 7 is Juglandales, 
which includes the Juglandacese, and consequently Juglans, while Series 8 is 
Fagales, which includes the family Betulacese and the Corylese and Betulese as sub¬ 
families. 
The fact is that the precise relationships of some of the primitive Dicotyledons 
is still not finally settled. 
Vernacular Names. — Origin of the term She Oak. Casuarinas are known 
as “Oaks” or “She Oaks.” Various species go under the name of “Forest Oak,” 
“ River Oak,” “ Swamp Oak,” “ Bull Oak,” “ Black Oak,” “ Belali,” or “ Belar,” 
“ Beefwood.” These are the principal names, but there are a number of others 
Avliich will be given as the various species come under review. 
The origin of the name “ She Oak ” has from time to time given rise to 
discussion, but I think it is quite clear. 
The aborigines name the Casuarina She-look, which has probably been corrupted by the early 
settlers into She Oak.—(George Bennett, Ind Progress of N.S.W. (1870). Art. Oranges, p. 675.) 
I cannot accept this without very strong evidence. 
In his “ Flora of Tasmania,” i, 340, Dr. (now Sir) Joseph Hooker says:— 
She Oak, a name I believe adapted from North American “ Sheack ” ; though more nearly allied 
botanically to the Northern Oaks than any Tasmanian genus except Fagus ; they have nothing to do with 
that genus in habit or appearance, nor with the Canadian “ Sheack.” 
Following are extracts from letters to me concerning the origin of the name 
“She Oak ” from the late Prof. E. E. Morris, of Melbourne, whose too-early death 
many of us deplore. Unfortunately his notes Avere not printed :— 
T have just received a second letter from Sir Joseph Hooker, in which he abandons any defence of 
his well-known explanation.I have, as far as one can prove a negative, disproved the 
existence of the American tree. I am now putting together my notes on the subject, and should they be 
printed, I will send you a copy. 
Personally, L do not think AA r e need look for any far-fetchcd derivation of the 
term “ .-die Oak.” There is evidence that it reminded the early settlers of oak. 
The best kind is a tree with a pine top, but it is very hard, and in grain not unlike the English Oak. 
—(Letter of Major Ross from Sydney, 10th July, 1788. Hist. Records, N.S. IV., Vol. I, Part 2, p. 172). 
See also an even earlier comparison of the wood to English Oak by Governor 
Phillip, infra, p. 78. 
