Ochroma pyramidale (Balsa Wood)

Native from southern Mexico through tropical America, this rapidly growing tree colonizes forest clearings. Its large, whitish flowers have numerous stamens united into a long column. The ribbed seed capsules open along five seams, releasing small seeds surrounded by pale brown floss that carries them on the wind.

Its exceptionally lightweight wood is used for model making, surfboards, flotation devices and the cores of sandwich panels. It also provides insulation against heat, sound and vibration. The floss from its fruits is used to fill pillows and mattresses, and its fibrous bark can be made into rope. Photographed in the central Andes mountain range of Colombia.