balsa

Balsa refers to the wood of several species in the genus Ochroma, of which Ochroma pyramidale is the principal source. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and is native to tropical regions of the Americas.

Balsa trees are fast-growing tropical pioneers. They are most strongly associated with the Amazon Basin and other humid lowland forests, where they form tall, slender trunks if undisturbed.

The wood is extremely light and soft. Densities typically range from about 150 to 200 kg per cubic meter, making it one of the lightest commercially available woods. It is easy to cut, shape, and plane but is easily dented and can suffer from moisture exposure.

Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, balsa is widely used as a core material in composite sandwich panels for aircraft, boats, and wind turbine blades, as well as in hobby model aircraft and surfboard cores.

Cultivation and production: Balsa grows rapidly and can be harvested in 5–8 years from planting. It is grown in plantations across tropical regions, including parts of South America, Africa, and Asia. Sustainable management is important to protect native forests and biodiversity.

Environmental and economic notes: Balsa's combination of lightness and workability has made it an important commercial timber in some regions, but demand depends on sustainable forestry practices and market conditions.