Item type	Report
Bibliography	Midgley, S.; Blyth, M.; Howcroft, N.; Midgley, D.; Brown, A. (2009) Balsa: biology, production and economics in Papua New Guinea, 97 pages, Salwood Asia Pacific, Canberra, ACT
Abstract / Content summary	Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale, syn. O. lagopus) is a fast-growing pioneer sub-tropical and tropical tree that produces very low density wood widely used for a range of commercial purposes. It is a medium-sized tree to 30 m in height and 70 cm in diameter, deciduous or evergreen and occurring in both pure and mixed stands in association with other pioneer species. Balsa is widely distributed across its natural range from 22°N to 15°S in broadleaved evergreen and secondary forests in Central and South America. It has been introduced to many tropical countries including Papua New Guinea where it thrives on sites with high uniform rainfall and good quality, well-drained soils. It is grown in plantations on 5–7-year rotations and now forms the foundation of a small and expanding industry in East New Britain Province (ENB) where there an estimated 3500 ha planted. [Part of Summary]
refs tags
File	Midgley_BalsaPNG.pdf
File info	2.53 MB
External web link
Library Locations
Associated conference
identifier