The ginkgo tree, scientifically named Ginkgo Biloba, is becoming a source of discomfort for the rural city of Iowa City. These trees can grow pretty tall, from 66-150 feet. The ginkgo, indigenous to China and areas adjacent, has a special method of reproduction. The tree produces some apricot like bulbs that people may confuse for fruits. These bulbs consist of seeds that are contained in a soft, fleshy container with a hard section. The tree is known for its hardiness, surviving anything from road salt to an atomic bomb.

All these traits make this tree seem quite normal. However, In Iowa, the trees are dropping large shells creating a sticky, slimy, and quite stinky mess. Many business owners are complaining about these shells and how they are ruining their image. Imagine a perfectly happy day because you are about to get a promotion to CEO of a rather successful business. When you near the entrance to the anteroom of the building, you feel a slight tug pulling on your shoes from the ground. The source of this discomfort is a quite fetid green gooey pod attached to the bottom of your shoe. How’s that to ruin a perfect day?

In Iowa, some environmentalists are trying to protect these trees, but in the end, we all know that nothing can stop the common people.