According to the Department of Construction, Hanoi has approximately 14,400 milk flower trees, ranking 4th among commonly planted species in the capital. This number follows sau trees (26,400), bang lang (17,500), and flamboyant trees (16,000).

Trung Hoa street in Yen Hoa ward, a stretch about 600 m long, features nearly 150 milk flower trees planted along both sides. On Yen Hoa street, milk flower trees are densely planted close to residential areas. Their canopies cover many sections of the road, near homes and public facilities.

Me Tri street in Tu Liem ward has sections with three rows of milk flower trees, including those on both sides of the road and in the central median. When the flowers are in full bloom, their fragrance permeates the entire area, most noticeably in the early morning and evening.

The milk flower is a woody tree that can reach up to 50 m in height, typically blooming from June to November. This species provides shade, enhances the landscape, and brings a characteristic fragrance to Hanoi's autumn. However, in areas where trees are densely planted, the strong scent can be overwhelming.

Van Anh, who works on Yen Hoa street, stated that she has always loved the scent of milk flowers each autumn. However, this year's abundant bloom and intense fragrance sometimes cause her headaches, especially during rush hour when it mixes with dust and exhaust fumes.

The arterial route of Van Cao - Lieu Giai - Nguyen Chi Thanh - Tran Duy Hung - Thang Long boulevard has approximately 350 milk flower trees. Specifically, in the area near the Tran Duy Hung - Nguyen Chi Thanh intersection overpass, the trees are densely planted and blooming simultaneously.

Milk flower trees were brought to Hanoi by the French over 100 years ago, initially planted sparsely on streets. In the past 40 years, the trees have been widely planted along newly expanded roads and streets.

The photo above shows a milk flower tree trunk numbered 155 on Trung Hoa street. The milk flower trees along this road typically have a diameter of 15-20 cm.

Following public feedback regarding the unpleasant scent of milk flowers affecting living environments, the Hanoi People's Committee announced plans to review and address streets and residential areas with dense concentrations of milk flower trees, especially those near homes, schools, and hospitals. Pictured are rows of milk flower trees near the classrooms of the University of Labor and Social Affairs on Tran Duy Hung street, Cau Giay ward.

Dao Tan street in Giang Vo ward has two rows of milk flower trees along both sides, currently in full bloom. In the past two days, dry and windless weather has prevented the fragrance from diffusing, causing it to linger at lower levels and discomfort many people, especially those with allergies.

On the second-floor terrace of a cafe on Yen Hoa street, 6 milk flower trees are planted close together. Cafe staff reported that few customers choose to sit outdoors these days, with some only stepping out for a few minutes to admire the view before returning inside due to the overly strong fragrance. This situation is a stark contrast to before, when the 10 outdoor tables were always full.

Vu Phuong Dong, residing on Thai Ha street in Dong Da ward, often captures autumn moments with Hanoi's distinctive flower. She believes that while milk flowers have a unique scent, their planting needs proper planning and distribution to avoid excessive density. When appropriately arranged, this species enhances the landscape and contributes to the charm of the capital's autumn.

On Duy Tan street in Dich Vong ward, an area with many offices, milk flowers are blooming simultaneously, covering a corner of the street in white.

In the past 10 years, new milk flower trees have not been planted. In 2019, Hanoi relocated over 100 milk flower trees from Trich Sai street (along West Lake) to the Nam Son area (Soc Son) following residents' complaints about the strong, unpleasant scent.

To mitigate the negative impacts of milk flowers, Hanoi is initially requiring communes and wards to prune flower clusters in densely populated areas, near homes, schools, hospitals, and locations where residents have frequently complained about the scent affecting daily life and the living environment.

In the long term, the city aims to establish a list for relocating milk flower trees that are planted too densely, at unreasonable distances, or on narrow, poorly ventilated streets.

The Bang