Balsa Ochroma pyramidale syn. Cultivated in plantations. Native trees are 60 to 90 ft high and 2.5 to 4 ft in diameter. On the best sites may reach a height of 80 ft and a diameter of 2.5 ft in 5 years.
Slight buttresses develop in the larger trees.
Air-dry density about 8 to 14 pcf, averaging in the trade 10 pcf. Movement is reported be small. Dull or thick-edged cutters tend to give a woolly finish in planing. The wood is too soft to hold nails and screws but glues satisfactorily. Prone to blue stain if not converted rapidly.