Living root bridges
The living root bridges of Cherrapunji, Laitkynsew, and Nongriat, in the present-day Meghalaya state of northeast India. It is a form of tree shaping, which creates these suspension bridges, they are handmade from the aerial roots of living banyan fig trees, such as Ficus elastica.[1][2]
The pliable tree roots are trained to grow through betel tree trunks which are placed across the gap, until the figs' roots take root on the other side. Sticks, stones, and other inclusions are placed with the growing bridge[1] This process can take up to 15 years to complete.[3] There are specimens spanning over 100 feet. The useful lifespan of the bridges, once complete, is thought to be 500–600 years. They are naturally self-renewing and self-strengthening as the component roots grow thicker.[4][5]
History
The local Khasi people do not know when or how the tradition of living root bridges started. The earliest written record of Cherrapunji's living root bridges is by Lieutenant H Yule, who expressed astonishment about them in the 1844 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal.[1]
See also
- Topiary
- Espalier
- Pleaching
- Axel Erlandson
- Arthur Wiechula
- Christopher Cattle
- John Krubsack
- Richard Reames
- Fab Tree Hab: Living Home of Shaped Trees
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Lewin, Brent (November 2012), "India's living Bridges", Reader's Digest Australia: 82–89
- ↑ "Living Root Bridge in Laitkynsew India". www.india9.com. Retrieved 2010-02-22.
- ↑ Baker, Russ. "Our Environment," Business Insider, Oct. 6, 2011
- ↑ "Cherrapunjee.com: A Dream Place". Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort. Retrieved 2010-05-07.
- ↑ "Living Root Bridge". Online Highways LLC. 2005-10-21. Retrieved 2010-05-07.