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Balsa tree Facts

Balsa tree Facts
Balsa tree is deciduous tree that belongs to the mallow family. It can be found in moist rainforests of Central and South America. Balsa tree grows in warm climate on well-drained soil, in areas that provide enough sunlight. It was once classified as weed because of its ability to occupy farmlands and gardens. People cultivate balsa tree as a source of wood. 95% of commercially available balsa wood originates from Ecuador. Large plantations of balsa tree can be also found on Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Thailand and Solomon Islands.
Interesting Balsa tree Facts:
Balsa tree can reach 98 feet in height and 12 to 45 inches in diameter.
Balsa tree grows solitary in the wild. Less than three balsa trees can be found on the hectare of jungle
Balsa tree produces large palmate leaves with pointed tips and heart-shaped base. Leaves are densely packed at the end of the branches. Young trees produces leaves that have 4 feet in diameter, while older trees produce leaves that are only 8 to 10 inches wide.
Balsa tree produces large, white flowers that contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers).
Balsa tree blooms at the end of the rainy season. Flowers are rich source of nectar which attracts capuchin monkeys, kinkajou, olingo and bats, which are responsible for the pollination of this plant.
Fruit of balsa tree is capsule, shaped like a rabbit foot. Capsule is filled with miniature seed equipped with fibers which facilitate dispersal by wind.
Balsa tree propagates via seed. Only small percent of seed in the wild manage to reach open area with enough light, required for the successful germination.
Balsa tree provides shade and protection against heavy rainfall (with its large leaves) for the young, tender plants in the jungle.
Seed fibers of balsa tree can be used for the insulation and for stuffing the pillows.
Balsa tree has large cells with thin walls (low content of lignin) which are responsible for the light weight of its wood. Water makes 60% of balsa tree.
Balsa wood was one of the most promising candidates for the construction of lightweight frames for the aircrafts and life-vests during the WWI.
Incas used balsa tree for the manufacture of rafts ("balsa" means "raft" in Spanish). Balsa wood is still popular because of its excellent floatation properties. It is often used for the manufacture of surfboards.
Balsa tree has excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It has one of the strongest (lightweight) wood on the planet. Balsa wood is used for the manufacture of model airplanes because of its light weight and warp-resistance.
Balsa wood is also used for the manufacture of doll houses, furniture and small wooden items.
Balsa wood has short lifespan. It can survive around 30 to 40 years in the wild.


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