Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale, synonym O. lagopus) is a large, fast-growing tree that can grow up to 30m (100ft) tall, native to tropical South America north to southern Mexico. It is evergreen, or dry-season deciduous if the dry season is long, with large (30–50 cm, 12-20 in) weakly palmately lobed leaves. The name balsa derives from Spanish for a raft. The timber is very soft and light with a coarse open grain. The density of dry balsa wood ranges from 100–200 kg/m³ (6.24-12.4… (More on Balsa)