It's technical jargon. Scientists used speak a mishmash of Greek and Latin, since those were common among educated people. That hung on for longer than was realistic, but it became a kind of slang for group recognition.
This department was named in the 1880s. They probably would just call it the Apple Department today, though I admit I still like the tone that sort-of-Greek-or-Latin rings.
This department was named in the 1880s. They probably would just call it the Apple Department today, though I admit I still like the tone that sort-of-Greek-or-Latin rings.