These Stinky, Dangerous Ancient Trees Torment Californians With Stench Each Fall

A stinky and dangerous ancient tree is currently a potential source of injury and discomfort for Californians, according to reports.

Two ginkgo trees in Sacramento were fenced off due to the slip risk from falling fruit, KCRA reported. Laminated signs warn people not to pick the fruit, according to The Sacramento Bee, which reported city officials have received many complaints about the fetid smell coming from the 75-year-old trees.

The odor is caused by butyric acid, a chemical also prevalent in the smell of vomit and rancid butter, according to Ned Friedman, director of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. In addition to reeking, the fruit is toxic and must be handled with gloves, the Bee reported.

It’s not just the capital city experiencing the stink, according to SFGATE, which reported ginkgos, fossils of which date back more than 270 million years, can also be found in San Francisco, including at Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden.

The stench is an annual affair, with female trees fruiting in October and November, SFGATE reported.