Balsa les prihaja iz drevesa Ochroma pyramidale, ki naravno raste v tropskih gozdovih Srednje in Južne Amerike. Balsa drevesa rastejo zelo hitro in jih pogosto najdemo v nižinah Amazonije in okoliških regijah.

Pridobiva se z rezanjem debel mladih dreves, ki so običajno stara 5-10 let, saj v tem obdobju dosežejo optimalno kombinacijo lahkotnosti in trdnosti.

Some of the main uses of balsa wood are:

1. Aeromodeling: Balsa wood is extremely popular in building model airplanes, as it allows for lightweight construction that is easy to cut and shape.

2. Maritime models: Used in the construction of model boats and ships because of its lightness and buoyancy.

3. Sailboats and surfboards: Balsa wood is sometimes used for the cores of surfboards because it is light enough to be easy to handle on the water.

4. Insulating materials: Balsa has excellent thermal insulation properties and is used in some building and industrial applications where lightweight but effective insulation is needed.

5. Packaging and protective materialsA: Used to make protective frames and packaging for sensitive goods because it absorbs shock well.

6. Furniture and furnishingsA: Less common, but sometimes used to make lightweight furniture and decorative elements where lightness outweighs strength.