Ochroma pyramidale or the Balsa Wood tree produces one of the lightest and strongest woods, pound for pound stronger even than oak and long used in model making. A handsome specimen for sunny tropical climates with huge 2ft diameter soft attractive leaves easily grown under glass. One of the fastest growing trees known. In our trials in the UK they reached a still reasonable 6ft in the first year. The small seeds need a high temperature of around 30°C to 35°C to germinate.
