In one of the wettest place on Earth (Cherrapunji, India), you will be sure to need a bridge or two. But why bother building a bridge when you can just grow one. One can thank the Ficu Elastica (a rubber tree plant) and it's incredibly strong root system for providing the locals these wonderful bridges made of living roots (yes, living !). The tree has typical roots and secondary roots that reach down from higher up on it's trunk, allowing them to grow bridges. The bridges can be over 100 feet long!
The locals have created ways in which they can direct the roots to their desired destination. This includes using the Betel Nut trunks which is sliced in the middle and hollowed out. The Betel Nut trunk prevents the rubber tree from spreading outward, guiding it to cross the river to take root on the other side. It may take up to 10 years to grow a functional bridge. Some bridges are believed to be 500 years old.
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