Hanoi Prunes Iconic ‘Milk Flower’ Trees Following Resident Complaints Over Scent
Hanoi authorities are pruning thousands of iconic blackboard trees after residents reported that the intense fragrance causes headaches and breathing issues.
POLICY WIRE — Hanoi, Vietnam — City officials have initiated a major pruning operation targeting hundreds of the capital’s signature blackboard trees. Authorities are also evaluating the potential relocation of certain specimens following persistent complaints from locals regarding the intensity of the trees’ fragrance.
Known locally as hoa sua, or milk flower, the Alstonia scholaris is a towering evergreen that can reach heights of up to 60 meters, or 197 feet. While these trees are celebrated as a symbol of Hanoi and frequently appear in local poetry and music, their autumn blossoms have become a source of contention.
Hanoi currently maintains a population of more than 14,400 of these trees, which provide essential shade during the summer months. However, many residents have reported that the heady, star-shaped white blossoms produce an overpowering scent that triggers breathing difficulties and headaches.
The city-wide trimming efforts began on Friday in response to the public outcry. Officials are now tasked with balancing the preservation of the city’s botanical heritage with the health and comfort concerns raised by the local population.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
