Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Hardwood (though physically very soft)
Grain Pattern
Straight, open-textured, and coarse with large pores visible under magnification; the specimen shows long, stringy fibers consistent with a rough-cut balsa stick.
Color Description
Pale white to off-white or creamy tan; shows little to no distinction between heartwood and sapwood in most commercial samples. It has a low luster and can yellowish slightly with sunlight exposure.
Hardness Rating
100 lbf (Very Soft); it is the softest commercial hardwood and can be easily indented with a fingernail.
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack. Generally used for indoor applications or where it is completely sealed.
Common Uses
Model building, aircraft construction (cores), surfboards, insulation, floats, crafts, and film/theater break-away props.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Mexico to Southern Brazil, with major commercial production in Ecuador.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on density and grade (often sold in specialized hobbyist small dimensions).
Wood Age Estimate
Recently processed; the wood appears fresh with modern milling marks and shows minimal oxidation or patina, likely less than 2 years since being milled.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable due to extremely rapid growth and plantation harvesting.
Workability
Very easy to cut with a sharp hobby knife or razor. Machine tools often cause 'fuzzing' or shredding due to low density. Glues exceptionally well but is too soft to hold nails or screws effectively.
Notable Features
Extremely lightweight with a very high strength-to-weight ratio. It lacks a distinctive scent and provides excellent buoyancy and acoustic/vibration dampening.
Finish Recommendations
Sanding sealer is essential to prevent excessive absorption. Responds well to light lacquer or acrylic paints. Heavy oils or polyurethanes will drastically increase the weight.
Identification Confidence
High; the extremely light color, stringy/fuzzy surface texture from the cut, and characteristic grain structure are definitive hallmarks of Ochroma pyramidale.