Balsa

SPECIFIC GRAVITY:   0.10 to 0.17

DENSITY:  

TANGENTIAL MOVEMENT:   7.60%

RADIAL MOVEMENT:   3.00%

VOLUMETRIC SHRINKAGE:   10.80%

DURABILITY:   poor

SOURCE:   Central and South America, West Indies and Ecuador

DESCRIPTION:   Lightest wood in commercial use. Sapwood of fast grown trees is selected for export. Very soft yet strong, considering its weight. Odorless, good insulating and acoustical properties.