Rome, Dec 20 (IANS): Residents of the Italian capital have branded the city's Christmas tree as a "disgrace" and claimed that it was just another sign of Rome's decline, the media reported.

Citizens of this ancient city are appalled about the 65-foot tree, which has been dubbed "Spelacchio", which translates to mangy or baldy, the Daily Mail reported late Tuesday.

The tree is also said to be a symbol of what many Romans see as the "eternal city's eternal decay", which has seen the streets plagued by potholes, piles of rubbish and weeds growing as tall as people in recent years.

The Pope himself has even harped in on the debate while others have likened the flimsy Christmas tree to a toilet brush.

Romans on social media have blamed Mayor Virginia Raggi for the debaucle.

Rome authorities nearly 50,000 euros ($59,000) was spent to get the tree from a forest near the Austrian border 430 miles away.

Consumers group Condacons has called for an inquiry.