Roots are stronger than bricks
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Roots are stronger than bricks

by Paula Ballikaya, Swiss Federal Institute of Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland

The roots of ficus trees are known to grow rapidly and destroy everything that goes under their way. It is incredible how majestic these trees can be. I found myself surrounded by temple ruins in Ayutthaya, where space and time seemed to have a different meaning. The trees grew regardless of their surroundings, silently invading an ancient city that seems to continue to live under the power of nature. It is fascinating how the roots seem to be as old as the ruins.