Some experimental results
During my return trip homeward from the Library, I paused at the UIC campus to experiment with certain Buckeyes I had noticed there long ago, and I must report that when crushed their leaves do indeed emit a malodorous stench. Crushed is the key word, though. The leaves cannot be merely torn slightly, they have to be actually crushed to release all of their "essential oils". Furthermore, I would not describe the scent that comes out as "foetid", for it has nothing about it that suggests decay or rottenness. It certainly smells astringent and toxic, though, and very potent. I would certainly suggest trying it sometimes, for it is a curious and interesting smell. But remember that this is advice coming from a boy who is still fascinated by the reek of old socks.
Astringent, toxic, and very potent since 1986,
--mark.
P.S. I didn't even know that "exanimate" is a word. Apparently, it means either "deprived of life" (syn. with "inanimate") or "disspirited or heartless". I'm not feeling exanimate right now - in fact, I feel OK - but I was just too impressed by LiveJournal's vocabulary to pass it up.
edited 9/21/07 at 4:09 PM.
and again 10/21/07 at 2:15 PM.
Astringent, toxic, and very potent since 1986,
--mark.
P.S. I didn't even know that "exanimate" is a word. Apparently, it means either "deprived of life" (syn. with "inanimate") or "disspirited or heartless". I'm not feeling exanimate right now - in fact, I feel OK - but I was just too impressed by LiveJournal's vocabulary to pass it up.
edited 9/21/07 at 4:09 PM.
and again 10/21/07 at 2:15 PM.