Balsa is one of the lightest woods. It comes from the Ochroma pyramidale tree, which grows in South and Central America. Actually, its more of a huge flowering weed than a tree.

Where are balsa trees naturally found?

Balsa, (Ochroma pyramidale), also called balsa tree, fast-growing tropical tree in the mallow family (Malvaceae), noted for its extremely lightweight and light-coloured wood. Balsa can be found from southern Mexico to Bolivia and is a common plant throughout much of its range.

What wood is balsa wood?

Being a deciduous angiosperm, balsa is classified as a hardwood despite the wood itself being very soft; it is the softest commercial hardwood.