The silk cotton family (Bombacaceae) is a group of about 200 species of tropical trees, some of which are of commercial importance as sources of lumber, fibrous material, or food. Species in the silk cotton family occur in all regions of tropical forest, but they are most diverse in Central and South America.
Various species of trees in the silk cotton family are economically important. Some species are harvested for their wood, which is rather soft and can be easily carved into dugout canoes and other useful products. Balsa wood is an extremely light yet strong wood that is obtained from the fast-growing balsa tree (Ochroma pyramidale). This species is native to tropical forests of Central and norther…
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