Foul Odor Leads to Ginkgo Trees Being Fenced Off in Sacramento
In Sacramento, two 75-year-old ginkgo trees have been cordoned off due to their unpleasant-smelling fruit, which some have likened to vomit. This has raised concerns about slipping hazards, as the fruit begins to drop during its seasonal cycle.
These trees, planted in 1954 by then-Governor Goodwin Knight and other officials at the California State Capitol, were fenced in this month after complaints started to emerge about the strong odor and potential safety issues. As reported, the issue stems from the berries that fall, leaving behind a slippery mess.
Jennifer Iida, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, noted that anyone stepping in the squishy remnants of the fruit might inadvertently pass on their slippery pulp to sidewalks and driveways—leading to not only an offensive smell but also possible safety risks.
She described the aroma as particularly “pungent and unpleasant,” garnering numerous complaints from the police department regarding the strong scent, which is attributed to butyric acid found in the fruit’s fleshy outer layer. Ned Friedman, director of Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum, compared this odor to “stale butter and vomit.”
The ginkgo biloba trees, with their iconic fan-shaped leaves, are now behind a temporary enclosure marked with signs instructing people not to pick the fruit. They attract attention, but authorities want to deter any foraging given the significant mess that can ensue.
Interestingly, while the soft-shelled seeds in the fruit are mildly toxic and should be handled carefully (ideally with gloves), they have culinary uses in various Asian dishes and traditional medicine when properly cooked. However, it’s crucial to note that if not cooked correctly, the toxins remain, making raw seeds unsafe for consumption.
Iida confirmed that the ginkgo trees are otherwise healthy, with the primary concern being the litter left by those who collect the fallen fruits.
