Return to the main search page

Ochroma pyramidale

balso, balsa, lano

Family

Malvaceae

Native to

native to Panamá

Type

tree

Height

tall (20 m/65 ft or more)

Height (m)

10 - 30

Speed of Growth

fast

Deciduous/Evergreen

semi-deciduous

Flower Color

light yellow, white

Flowering Time

January, February, March, October, November, December

Fruiting Time

January, February, March, October, November, December

Difficult Conditions Tolerated

Degraded Soil

Sun/Shade Required To Establish

sun

Other Uses

handicrafts, ornamental, timber

Wildlife Attracted

bats

Reforestation Type

ecological restoration

Successional Type

early successional

Ecosystem Services

pioneer species

Ease of Propagation

difficult

Best Method of Propagation

seed

Tips for Cultivation

To improve germination it is recommended to soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Very fast growth in nursery. The sapling requires about 3 months in the nursery to reach a size suitable to be transplanted onto the field.

weblinks

Tropicos. Missouri Botanical Garden

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Encyclopedia of Life