Balsa wood structure (Ochroma pyramidale) Science Image

Ref: 80200232



Balsa wood structure, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). This wood is from the balsa tree (Ochroma pyramidale). This is a longitudinal section through the wood, showing large vessels (centre) that are part of the xylem tissue which transports water and minerals round the tree. Surrounding these is the coarse open grain, made up of air-filled chambers known as fibres and formed from sclerenchyma cells. It is these air-filled chambers that give balsa wood its low density compared to other woods. Magnification: x175 when printed 10 centimetres wide.