Purpleheart


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.