Amazing Tree Bridges Are Made of Living Roots and Vines!

Villagers in Meghalaya, India have come up with a unique construction technique that harnesses nature in its purest form - they grow their own living bridges! Using the roots of the Ficus elastica tree (rubber fig tree), the residents have woven an elaborate system of living bridges, some of which are thought to be over 500 years old. These extraordinary examples of living architecture are also lessons in patience, since they take about 15 years to grow. With age though, the living root bridges grow stronger and can often support the weight of 50 or more people at a time!

Deep in the rainforests of the Indian state of Meghalaya, bridges are not built, they’re grown. 

Ancient vines and roots of trees stretch horizontally across rivers and streams, creating a solid latticework structure strong enough to be used as a bridge. 

Some of the bridges are over a hundred feet long and can support the weight of fifty or more people.

The tree has a secondary root system that grows up above the ground floor and lets the tree easily grown on top of boulders and even out in the middle of streams.

The Cherrapunji region is one of the wettest places in the world with many fast-flowing rivers and streams, making these bridges invaluable to those who live in the region.