Uruguay's iconic palm trees, symbols as integral to the nation's identity as olive groves are to Greece or cherry blossoms to Japan, are facing a devastating onslaught.
A tiny, 5-centimetre (2-inch) long adversary, the red palm weevil, is behind the ruthless attack on these treasured trees, which line Montevideo's extensive sidewalks and grace the upscale Atlantic resorts of Punta del Este.
