Balsa is a lightweight and soft wood derived from the Balsa tree (Ochroma pyramidale), which is native to Central and South America. This wood is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it a popular choice for model building, crafts, and various applications in the aerospace industry. Due to its buoyancy, balsa is also commonly used in making floats for fishing and buoys for navigation. The wood can be easily cut, shaped, and glued, which adds to its versatility in both hobbyist and professional settings.