balsa

1. Balsa
   (Naut) A raft or float, used principally on the Pacific coast of South America.

1. (n) balsa
   The native name of the Ochroma Lagopus, a bombaceous tree common in the forests upon the coasts of tropical America. The wood is very soft and light, and is used for stopping bottles, as well as in the construction of rafts which take its name.
2. (n) balsa
   A kind of raft or float much used on the west coast of South America for crossing lakes or rivers, for landing through the surf, and by fishermen. It is there formed of two inflated cylinders of seal-skin or bullock's hide, joined by a sort of platform on which the passengers or goods are placed. In the United States the name is given to two or more inflated cylinders of india-rubber, or long casks of metal or wood, secured together in pairs by a framework, and used as a life-saving raft or for crossing heavy surf. See life-raft.
3. (n) balsa
   On Lake Titicaca, an aboriginal flat-bottomed boat or canoe, sometimes capable of conveying as many as 30 persons or a dozen donkeys. It is made of bundles of the totora reed tied together. While the balsa is a very rude and clumsy craft, incapable of speed, it has the advantage of keeping afloat in any circumstances. When small it is propelled by a sail made of the same material; for coasting and as a ferry, poles, an occasional oar, and paddles are used. The Aymará call it yampu.

ochroma lagopus balsa wood

angiospermous tree flowering tree wood

balsa raft balsa wood genus Ochroma Kon Tiki Ochroma

valsa galsa halsa nalsa bqlsa bwlsa bslsa bzlsa baksa baosa bapsa balaa balwa balda balxa balza balaa balsq balsw balss balsz