Have you heard of the beautiful living root bridges in Meghalaya, India? Their construction is a lesson in patience as the roots are gradually encouraged to grow in the supportive shape. They need regular care, but grow stronger with age.
“Once a bamboo structure has been stretched across the river, the roots of the tree, usually the rubber tree (Ficus elastica), are teased and manipulated to become entwined with the bamboo until it becomes a strong mesh. The roots are allowed to grow gradually and strengthen over time. In the initial stages, only about 15-20 people can cross the bridge in a day. Much later, it can be as many as 50 or more, although it can take up to two decades for a living roots bridge to be finished.” | The Guardian
Once done, the bridges can have a lifespan of several hundred years; far outliving the original creators of them.
It is unknown when this tradition started, but they were written about in 1844, so it would be far earlier than that.
I just thought people on here might find this tradition as fascinating as I do.
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Love these! I’ve always been curious if it would be possible to grow them elsewhere in the world. Ficus can grow in many different climates, not just India. Anywhere that doesn’t have hard freezes might be suitable but I’ve never heard of it being attempted.