Tree to tree strife - and not only in appearance (fruits and leaves), but also in the structure of wood. Most often, builders have to deal with determining which green space is more practical and durable. Oak planks, pine, linden - all of these trees are well known to us. But in tropical America, balsa is most popular. This is the lightest tree in the world.
Balsa tree
Balsa is a deciduous tree from tropical America. He has a very beautiful color of wood. It is practical white, with yellowish or pinkish tints. Balsa is rightfully considered the lightest tree in the world, because its density is not more than 160 kilograms per cubic meter. For comparison: in a pine, the density is 520, in an oak - 760, and in a linden - 550.
Another remarkable property of this tree: when it is only cut down, the wood contains 90 percent moisture. Water dries quickly in the sun and wind, but the trunk and branches do not turn into dust (as, for example, in a baobab), but, on the contrary, gain the necessary strength. It is this property that makes balsa wood attractive for industrial needs. Materials from it are lightweight and have excellent sound and vibration absorbing properties.
Where are balsa materials used more often?
What is a balsa tree, we examined. Now we find out where the materials made from it are most often used. Balsa is very popular with aircraft models. And that is understandable. Even if we compare balsa with carbon fiber, then the tree wins. It is very easy to process, its cost is extremely low. And balsa has excellent maintainability.
If you correctly saw the wood, then it, glued together, will last for many years, remaining as strong and reliable as at the time of sawing. It is interesting that upon impact, the loads are absorbed by the material itself. It is also very important in aircraft modeling. The fishing gear is excellent from this tree. Balsa tree is often used to make water rescue equipment.
The birthplace of balsa tree
As we already learned, balsa is in great demand in the industry. Now the time has come to find out where it comes from. Where does the balsa tree grow? The birthplace of this unique tree is considered to be the equatorial part of South America. You can see balsa in Indonesia, Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, Peru, Mexico and many other countries. However, Ecuador is the leader in this list - it is considered the main supplier of balsa wood (more than 95% of the total).
Turnover from the sale brings a lot of money. Wood materials are bought up by both construction companies and travel shops. They make everything that is possible from balsa - from simple and durable souvenirs to the most professional surfboards.
Growth and flowering
It is also noteworthy that balsa is a fast-growing tree. In just 10, from the strength of 15 years, the balsa tree grows up to 30 meters in height. The life expectancy of the greenery itself is no more than 30 or 40 years. Balsa blooms very beautifully - the first buds appear on it only after three years of life. This usually happens after the rainy season, when the wood is gaining enough moisture.
Unlike many plants, the flowers of this tree begin to open their petals towards evening. You can admire the fully opened buds only at night - by the morning they will close again. It is in the dark that pollination takes place - insects with pleasure are drawn to a sweetish aroma. Most often, bats, olingo, kinkaju carry pollen. In the afternoon, pollination can occur with the help of monkeys. Touching the buds, they unwittingly beat pollen out of them.
Farm application
Balsa wood is widely used in farming. Processing it is very easy. To do this, you just need a thin blade with a small angle of sharpening. But the color of balsa practically does not give in - it is best to use aqueous dyes that quickly absorb into the wood. But it is better not to use varnishes and oil substances. They will not stay on wood.
The distinctive qualities of balsa were discovered by the ancient Incas. It was they who began to plan canoes out of wood and make light and stable rafts. Wood for making calligraphy brushes is considered ideal. But in shipbuilding, balsa wood is used for the construction of decks and sides for small pleasure boats (usually not exceeding 30 meters in length, the size of an adult tree). Balsa is also used for the manufacture of blades for wind turbines. It is probably difficult to come up with more convenient and lightweight material.
