SCIENTIFIC NAME
Peltogyne paniculata. Derivation: The genus name is Greek meaning a shielded organ. The specific epithet refers to the clustered flowers with each flower borne on a separate stalk.

FAMILY
Fabaceae or Leguminosae, the legume family; (Caesalpiniaceae) the cassia group.

OTHER NAMES
violetwood, pau roxo, pau ferro, coracy, amaranth.

DISTRIBUTION
Ranges from Sao Paulo in Brazil to Trinidad and Panama.

THE TREE
In the Amazon rain forests, the tree reaches a height of 100 to 120 feet. The clear bole is straight, cylindrical and 50 feet in length. The tree is covered with smooth grayishblack bark

THE TIMBER
Purpleheart sapwood is pinkish-cinnamon with light brown streaks and is from 2 to 4 inches wide in mature trees. The heartwood is a dull brown color when freshly cut but oxidizes to a violet purple color when exposed to light. When exposed to sun and rain, the purple color will become black. The luster is medium, and the straight-grained wood is fine and even in texture. The odor and taste are not distinct. It is hard and heavy, with an average reported specific gravity ranging from 0.67 to 0.91, equivalent to an air-dried weight of 52 to 74 pd. The mechanical properties of purpleheart are intermediate between those of greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei WDS 079) and oak. One outstanding property of the wood is its ability to withstand sudden shock.

SEASONING
This timber seasons well and fairly rapidly with little degrade. In thick planks, there is some difficulty in extracting the moisture from the center. Average reported shrinkage values (green to ovendry) are 3.2% radial, 6.1% tangential and 9.9% volumetric.

DURABILITY
This timber is highly resistant to decay.

WORKABILITY
Purpleheart must be worked slowly through machines and all cutter tools must be of high-speed steel to produce fine cabinetwork. Some tearing occurs when planing when the grain is interlocked. The wood has a tendency to split when nailed. Most finishes can be used satisfactorily, but to preserve the rich natural color wax is often the only coating applied. The wood is dimensionally stable is use.

USES
Because of its good mechanical properties and durability, purpleheart is used for heavy outdoor construction such as bridges and dock work. It is reported to have good acid resistance and can be used in chemical plants for vats and filter press plates. As a flooring material, it has excellent abrasion resistance. An important use in Brazil is for making spokes for cartwheels. When exported, its biggest use is for billiard cue butts. Other uses in the United States include decorative veneer, inlay, marquetry, tool handles and general cabinetry. A dye produced from the wood is used for textile fabrics.

SUPPLIES
Purpleheart timber and veneer is available in small quantities. It has not found wide demand in the United States, and its price may be considered as moderately costly.

Information from A Guide to Useful Woods of the World, Second Edition, James H. Flynn, Jr. and Charles D. Holder, Editors. Forest Products Society, Madison, Wisconsin, 2001.

Photographs from MDArtworks