Balsa (Ochroma pyramidalis) trees grow naturally in certain forests in South America. The Balsa tree resembles a Cottonwood tree with leaves as large as three feet across. The best Balsa comes from plantations in Ecuador due to the ideal soil conditions, abundance of moisture, and low wind conditions.
The tree grows at the amazing rate of about 40 feet the first year followed by a dozen feet annually. They are usually harvested after six to ten years, attaining a height of 90 feet and 25" in diameter. Being almost all water, after harvesting, the tree is extremely heavy.
