Balsa wood (cross section) showing large conductive elements (Ochroma pyramidale), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Ochroma pyramidale is a genus of flowering tree in the family Malvaceae (mallow). Ochroma pyramidale (formerly known as Ochroma lagopus) which is known as the balsa tree. It is a large, fast growing tree that can grow up to 100 feet. Balsa wood is a very lightweight material with many uses. Balsa trees are native to southern Brazil and Bolivia north to southern Mexico. Balsa lumber is very soft and light, with a coarse, open grain. The wood of the living tree has large conductive cells that are filled with water. This gives the wood a spongy texture. It also makes the wood of the living tree not much lighter than water and barely able to float. For commercial production, the wood is kiln-dried for about two weeks, leaving the cells hollow. Magnification: x28 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / DENNIS KUNKEL MICROSCOPY |
Bildgröße: | 3335 px × 2620 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |