Name |
Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.) |
Type |
Hardwood. |
Other Names |
Also known as amaranth, violetwood, coracy, pauroxo, pauferro, koroboreli, saka, nazareno, morado, and tananeo. |
Sources |
Includes species in tropical regions of Central America and South America. |
Appearance |
Generally straight grained, sometimes interlocked, with a fine even texture. Creamy white sapwood and vibrant purple heartwood that turns to dark-purplish brown with exposure to light. |
Physical Props |
Very heavy, hard, strong, and stiff with good decay resistance and stability in service. Steam-bends moderately well. |
Working Props |
Sometimes difficult to work due to hardness and a tendency to tear and split. Pre-drilling required for screws and nails. Glues easily and polishes well with no staining required. |
Uses |
Uses include inlay, marquetry, furniture, cabinets, flooring, turnery, carving, outdoor construction, chemical vats (very acid resistant), filter press plates, diving boards, and boat building. |