A tree planted in the centre of the capital of Tajikistan in Central Asia as a symbol of the state's "eternal independence" has dried up and died.
The coniferous sequoia, which was reportedly imported from the United States 50 years ago, was planted at a ceremony in Dushanbe by President Emomali Rakhmon in March.
It died as a result of dehydration amind a heatwave. A similar sequoia tree nearby, which was not planted by the president, is in better shape.
AFP reports strong winds earlier this year blew down a flag that officials had said was at the top of the world's tallest flagpole in Dushanbe.
