Balsa (Ochroma pyramiale, synonym O. lagopus) is a large, fast-growing tree that can grow up to 30m (100ft) tall, native to tropical South America north to southern Mexico. It is evergreen, or dry-season deciduous if the dry season is long, with large (30–50 cm, 12-20 in) weakly palmately lobed leaves. The name balsa derives from Spanish for a raft.