Balsa trees (Ochroma pyramidale) are native to Central and South America and thrive in tropical climates. While they can technically grow in parts of southern Florida and Hawaii, their cultivation in the continental U.S. is limited due to climate restrictions. Most balsa wood production occurs in its native range, where conditions are ideal for growth.
Balsa wood trees grow primarily in tropical regions of Central and South America, as well as in parts of Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific. The trees are known for their rapid growth and lightweight, buoyant wood.
Balsa trees grow in the South American countries of Brazil and Bolivia. They can also sometimes be found in Mexico.
Balsa trees... or your local hobby shop.
Maple trees do not typically grow in rainforests. They are more commonly found in temperate regions with distinct seasons, whereas balsa, teak, and mahogany are species that thrive in tropical rainforest environments. The climate and soil conditions of rainforests are not suitable for maple trees.
Balsa trees are primarily grown in tropical regions, such as Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. They thrive in warm, humid climates with well-drained soils, and are often cultivated in plantations for their lightweight and versatile wood.
from my balls
Latin America
Balsa trees are native to southern Brazil, Bolivia and north to southern Mexico. They can be grown in Hawaii and Guam and are related to the cotton plant. Ecuador supplies 95% of the commercial balsa. So to get back to your question, unless you live where the balsa tree can be grown, it is NOT locally grown.
balsa tree trunks
They grow on a plant in Africa. They grow in bunches on trees in places like South America.
The balsa wood tree, scientifically named ochroma lagopus, is a relatively fast growing plant found primarily in Central and South America. Balsa wood trees grow best under the conditions found in rainforests, ideally in mountainous terrain between rivers. The country of Ecuador is perhaps the largest exporter of balsa wood, although many local farmers consider the plant to be little more than a weed.* http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-balsa-wood.htmAnother site with good information:* http://www.mat.uc.pt/~pedro/ncientificos/artigos/techbal.html
Fir, Balsa, Douglass