Mysteries Bridges

India - a country of mysteries, miracles and spiritual enlightenment. Here are some of the gods have four arms and trunk, and bridges can grow themselves.

We go to the area of ​​the town Cherapundzhi the north-east India, which is located at an altitude of 1300 meters and is considered the most rainy place on Earth. Here, for the "growing" bridges use the roots of Ficus kauchukonochnogo. The process of "building" lasts 10-15 years. Living bridges can reach a length of 30 meters and can withstand the weight of more than 50 people.

Discoverer of the root bridge is Dennis P. Wright. Its so interested in unusual plants, which he spent hours could tell about them to everyone, and even some time organizing special interest tours to India, the Europeans could appreciate the beauty of "real" crossings.

Bridges are grown in the appropriate place - a town Cherapundzhi, which according to various sources is the wettest place on earth: for the year here falls more than 11 000 mm of rain. But a record number fell in 1861 - 22.98 meters.

The material for the "building" bridges of living are the roots of rubber ficus. This evergreen tree reaching a height of 30-40 meters.

The uniqueness of Ficus is that it has a secondary root system: its roots grow outward. The photo double bridge called «Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge»:

In order to roots ficus growing in the right direction, people Cherapundzhi use special frames.

When he reached the other side of the roots of a ficus kauchukonochnogo grow into the ground. The process of "building" a bridge usually lasts 10-15 years, and besides, he requires constant care and attention.

Ready bridge can withstand up to 50 adult adults. Moreover, the older bridge, so it is stronger - the roots of woody and become similar to the strong steel cables.

For more than 500 years managed to grow a large number of bridges over 30 feet in length.