balsa propagations

[John Skillman]

I've never watched a balsa (Ochroma spp) seed germinate but when the 
seeds are released they are everywhere--wind dispersed like milkweed or 
cottenwood.  Saplings and mature trees of this fast growing early 
succesional species are very common in disturbed sites in the 
neotropics.  I am told that balsa is cultivated around the world in 
tropical regions--big balsa airplane market I guess!