Too much of a good scent? Hanoi curbs iconic trees

By Khanh Vu and Phuong Nguyen HANOI, Oct 20 (Reuters) Vietnam s capital Hanoi has launched a large-scale programme to prune hundreds of its iconic blackboard trees and is considering relocating some after their distinctive fragrance proved too much for some residents. Known in Vietnamese ​as hoa sua, meaning milk flower , and also known as pulai and devil s tree ‌elsewhere in Asia, blackboard trees can grow as tall as 60 metres (197 feet). The name reflects the traditional use of its wood for school items, as does its scientific name, Alstonia scholaris. Blackboard trees have lined Hanoi s boulevards since they were introduced during French colonial rule in the late 19th century. They were later planted across the ‌capital, ​and Hanoi now has about 14,400 of the trees, according to ⁠the city government. At dusk, the ⁠trees release a pungent, sweet scent from their greenish-white flowers, peaking in September and October. Long associated with the arrival of autumn in Hanoi, they have