While the Hoa Sua or Milk Flower (Milkwood Pine) is one of Hanoi's signatures, locals living on the streets with high-density of the trees have complained about the strong fragrance.

Milkwood Pines often blossom in September and October along many streets in Hanoi, including Trung Hoa, Tran Duy Hung and Nguyen Du. Passers-by enjoy the fragrance but it is nearly unbearable for the locals.

Binh, a security guard for a cafe on Trung Hoa Street, said he had to carry a mask with him all the time. "The fragrance is bearable during the day but at night, it makes me nauseous and gives me a headache. Milkwood Pines are planted just a few metres away on this street," he said.

Huong, a local living on Tran Duy Hung Street, said, "I have to close all windows and doors. My daughter is allergic to the fragrance so she stays with her uncle in Xuan Dinh Ward."

Hundreds of trees are planted along the 1.8km Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, causing headaches for many people. Hong, a street vendor said she had to go home earlier when the flower blossoms.

"I can't bear the fragrance this past week. It's stronger smelling than durian. It's nice for those can bear it but it's the cause of headaches and nausea for others. I hope the authorities will remove some of the trees," she said.

According to Vu Quoc Trung, member of Vietnam Oriental Traditional Medicine Association, the fragrance has several harmful effects, especially if the trees are planted in enclosed spaces or small streets. Both the flowers and fruits are hairy, easily spread into the air and can cause respiratory diseases. The elderly and children may have allergic rhinitis and bronchitis.

Milkwood Pine trees on Tran Duy Hung Street High-density planting of the trees in several streets

laodong, dtinews