Ochroma is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae, containing the sole species Ochroma pyramidale, commonly known as the balsa tree. It is a large, fast-growing tree that can grow up to 30 m tall. Balsa wood is a very lightweight material with many uses. Balsa, because it is so light weight is used to make surfboards. Model Building. Father and son playing with a balsa wood model plane. Aircraft and Boat Industries. Fishing floats are balsa wood products. Table Tennis Bat Construction.