Deep in the rain forests 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.
Since the area receives around 15 metres of rain every year, a normal wooden bridge would quickly rot.
But because the growing bridges are alive and still growing, they actually gain strength over time.
For more than 500 years locals have guided roots and vines from the native Ficus Elastica (rubber tree) across rivers, using hollowed out trees to create root guidance systems. When they roots and vines reach the opposite bank they are allowed to take root.
In time, a sturdy living bridge is produced. Some can take ten to fifteen years to become fully functional.
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