ZP:artifact #3

 Zykeria Presswood

El Salvador #3 artifact: Balsa tree

Balsa trees are native to El Salvador. Balsa Trees yield excellent lumber as well as resin that is used in the manufacture of antiseptics and medicinal gums. It is also used for fuel. Balsa trees grow extremely fast, often up to 27 metres in 10-15 years, and do not usually live beyond 30 to 40 years. They are often cultivated in dense patches, (admin, 2018) Ochroma pyramidale, commonly known as the balsa tree, is a large, fast-growing tree native to the Americas. It is the sole member of the genus Ochroma. Balsa wood is popular for light, stiff structures in model bridge tests, model buildings, and construction of model aircraft. It is also used in the manufacturing of wooden crankbaits for fishing, makeshift pens for calligraphy, composites, surfboards, boats, "breakaway" props for theatre and television, and even in the floor pans of the Chevrolet Corvette.

I chose balsa trees because they are so multi purposeful and a staple for salvadorian woodworking.

It's important to El Salvador culture because they are important for building model airplanes and floats, at one time it was used in the aeronautics industry. The bark of the tree is made into ropes and belts. The kapok in its fruit is used to stuff mattresses, pillows and plush animals. (Balsa Tree, 2023).

Due to its buoyancy, balsa wood is also used for surfboards, buoys and fishing floats, and has been used historically for life rafts and lifebelts.

References 

Admin. “Country Report El Salvador.” Prime Advisory Network, 21 Feb. 2018,

Balsa Tree | Space for Life, espacepourlavie.ca/en/biodome-flora/balsa-tree. Accessed 12 Nov. 2023.