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. Balsa wood is a very lightweight material with many uses. Balsa trees are native to southern Brazil and Bolivia north to southern Mexico.
Because it is low-density but high in strength, balsa is a very popular material for light, stiff structures in model bridge tests, model buildings, and for the construction of model aircraft — especially free flight model aircraft. However, it also is valued as a component of full-sized light wooden aeroplanes, most notably the World War II de Havilland Mosquito.
Balsa is used to make wooden crankbaits for fishing, especially Rapala lures. Sticks of dried balsa are useful as makeshift pens for calligraphy when commercial metal nibs of the desired width are not available.
Balsa wood is often used as a core material in composites; for example, the blades of many wind turbines are partly of balsa. In table tennis bats, a balsa layer is typically sandwiched between two pieces of thin plywood. Balsa wood is also used in laminates together with glass-reinforced plastic (fiberglass) for making high-quality balsa surfboards and for the decks and topsides of many types of boats, especially pleasure craft of less than 30 m (98 ft) in length.
Balsa is also used in the manufacture of “breakaway” wooden props such as tables and chairs which are designed to be broken as part of theatre, movie and television productions.
Where to find wood
| Amsterdamsche Fijnhout | Amsterdam | 10% discount for students |
| Bos Houtloods | Mijdrecht | |
| Houthandel Van Straalen | Utrecht | |
| Van der Vleuten bouwmaterialen | Best | building materials (old and new) metal, wood, doors, tiles etc. |