I just returned from a trip to Zambia, and several times we came across groups of trees that emitted a smell like fresh french fries. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of the tree. It seemed to start smelling mostly in the evening. The smell was so strong that we actually thought it was cooking smell coming from a nearby village, but we traced the smell to trees. Can anyone help ID this?
Cassia didymobotrya? As Ron has said, details of the tree's appearance would be helpful. Photo even better.
I found it! I dug up an old book on Southern African tree identification from a box in my garage and read it very carefully! Sorry to have troubled you, but thank you for the help. It's Phyllanthus reticulatus, or Potatobush. It says, "Emits a strong scent of potatoes in the evening, hence the common name." Thanks again for the replies!
