TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Ochroma pyramidale, Ochroma lagopus, Balsa

Ochroma pyramidale, Ochroma lagopus

Balsa
Family: Malvaceae    (Formerly:Bombacaceae)
Subfamily: Bombacoideae
Origin: Central and South America
Big tree taller than 20 ftFull sunModerate waterOrnamental foliageWhite, off-white flowers

The wood is most famous for its use in model airplanes and in making rafts, while the cotton that is produced by the fruit has been used for insulation and pillow stuffing and the seed's fibers are used for making cushions or life vests.. Balsa trees should be planted in full sun, and can tolerate moderate amounts of water. In cold regions and for growing in pots, water regularly but take care not to over-water. Provide light, well-drained soil . Amend the soil with organic matter and add a general purpose fertilizer before planting.

Ochroma pyramidale (Balsa) is a big tree native to Central and South America, which grows taller than 20 feet. It is known for its unusual ecology, as well as its famous, light and soft wood. Balsa also has ornamental foliage, with large, simple and alternate-arranged blades that measure 1 foot across and are covered with reddish epidermal hairs. It also has unique flowers, starting as large buds with a thick and leathery calyx that completely covers the developing petals, and when opened, the five large and thick off-white petals bend backwards and cover the calyx. The fruit strongly resembles a large rabbit's foot.



Ochroma pyramidale, Ochroma lagopus, Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale, Ochroma lagopus, Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale, Ochroma lagopus, Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale, Ochroma lagopus, Balsa


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/ochroma_pyramidale.htm

Ochroma pyramidale - seeds

Balsa. This tree is notable for its unusual ecology as well as for its famous wood. This is the balsa of model-airplane fame, with extremely light, soft wood.
Leaves are very large. Balsa flowers are particularly unique and exotic. Held perfectly upright in the tree, unopened flowers strongly resemble velvety ice-creme cones. When opened, a fruit strongly resembles a large rabbit's foot.
Ordering seeds info

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