In Vietnam, where they are known as "hoa sua", they are evoked in nostalgic or romantic songs and poems about Hanoi.

But a poll conducted by state-controlled online newspaper VnExpress found 80 percent of respondents supported removing or relocating the trees.

"Only those who don't live near these trees find them romantic with a pleasant fragrance. Try it for just one day, you will hate it forever," wrote Thanh Luong on Facebook.

— There are reportedly over 14,000 Alstonia scholaris trees in Hanoi. Read more in 'Under attack' from fragrance, Hanoi prunes its famous blossoms at France24.