About Balsa Tree
Ochroma pyramidale, commonly known as balsa, is a large, fast-growing tree native to the Americas. It is the sole member of the genus Ochroma, and is classified in the subfamily Bombacoideae of the mallow family Malvaceae. The tree is famous for its wide usage in woodworking, due to its softness and its high strength compared to its low density. The name balsa is the Spanish word for "raft" and the Portuguese word for ferry. A deciduous angiosperm, Ochroma pyramidale can grow up to 30 metres (98 ft) tall, and is classified as a hardwood despite the wood itself being very soft; it is the softest commercial hardwood and is widely used because of its light weight.
Description adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Plant Details
- Scientific name
- Ochroma pyramidale
- Genus
- Ochroma
- Family
- BOMBACACEAE
- Habit
- Tree
- Distribution
- Tropical America
- Flowering & fruiting
- February-June
- Conservation status
- Not Evaluated (NE)
Local Names
- Tamil
- மிருதுவான மரம்
- Malayalam
- ബാൽസ
Bombacaceae
Bombax Or Kapok Family
Balsa Tree belongs to the Bombacaceae family.
The illustration represents the family — not necessarily this exact species.
Explore the BOMBACACEAE family →Snap it. Know it.
Point your camera at balsa tree or any plant and SASYA identifies it instantly — on-device, offline, and private.