Ochroma pyramidale, commonly known as the balsa tree, is a large, fast-growing tree native to the Americas. It is the sole member of the genus Ochroma. [1] The tree is famous for its wide usage in woodworking, due to its softness and its high strength compared to its low density.

Valued across the world for its strong but light wood, the balsa tree is native to the rainforests of South America. Over 95% of balsa wood comes from Ecuador, where it is grown in dense plantations. Balsa trees grow incredibly rapidly, reaching nearly 30 metres in under 15 years, but rarely live beyond 35 years.

Ochroma is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae, containing the sole species Ochroma pyramidale, commonly known as the balsa tree. It is a large, fast-growing tree that can grow up to 30 m (98 ft) tall.

Ochroma pyramidale. syn. O. lagopus. Balsa. Family: Bombacaceae. Other Common Names: Balsa (Central and South America in general), Corcho (Mexico), Gatillo (Nicaragua), Enea, Pung (Costa Rica), Lana (Panama), Pau de balsa (Brazil), Palo de balsa (Peru), Tami (Bolivia).

Ochroma or balsa tree（Scientific name: Ochroma lagopus、Synonym: Ochroma pyramidale）is an evergreen or deciduous broad-leaved tree in the family Bombacaceae, native to southern Mexico and southern Brazil. The leaves are triangular heart-shaped or palm-shaped. A large yellow-white horn-shaped flower.

Balsa is the common name for a fast-growing, tropical American tree, Ochroma pyramidale (synonym O. lagopus), characterized by soft and light wood.

balsa, (Ochroma pyramidale), fast-growing tropical tree in the mallow family (Malvaceae), noted for its extremely lightweight and light-coloured wood. Balsa can be found from southern Mexico to Bolivia and is a common plant throughout much of its range.

Apr 9, 2009 · Scientific Name: Ochroma pyramidale. Distribution: Tropical regions of the Americas; also grown on plantations. Tree Size: 60-90 ft (18-28 m) tall, 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) trunk diameter. Average Dried Weight: 9 lbs/ft 3 (150 kg/m 3) Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):.12, .15. Janka Hardness: 67 lb f (300 N) Modulus of Rupture: 2,840 lb f /in 2 (19.6 MPa)

Balsa tree actually contain only one species: a large, fast-growing tree that can grow up to 30 m tall. This unique tree has been harvested for its wood both locally and industrially. The wood was originally used for making boats and rafts; its common name, balsa, is the Spanish word for "raft".

Under natural conditions forest clearance exposes the soil to the sun and this triggers germination of Ochroma seeds. In the nursery seeds are sown in lines 3 - 4cm apart under slight shade and in sterilized soil to prevent damping-off.