| Scientific Name
| Peltogyne pubescens |
| Family
| Caesalpiniaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Standard Name
| Amaranth |
| Other Names
| Amaranth Nazareno, Pau Roxo, Bois Violet, Barabu |
| Wood Appearance
| When freshly cut the heartwood of Purpleheart is a dull grayish/purplish brown. Upon exposure the wood becomes a deeper eggplant purple. With further age and exposure to UV light, the wood becomes a dark brown with a hint of purple. This color-shift can be slowed and minimized by using a UV inhibiting finish on the wood. |
| Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Diffuse-porous; medium to large pores, few; solitary and radial multiples; mineral deposits occasionally present; growth rings may be either distinct or indistinct depending on species and growing conditions; medium rays barely visible without lens, normal spacing; parenchyma winged, lozenge, confluent, unilateral, and occasionally marginal. |
| Natural Durability
| Purpleheart is rated as being very durable, and resists both decay and most insect attacks, though it has been reported to be susceptible to attack from marine borers. |
| Timber Processing
| Working with Purpleheart can present some unique challenges: if the wood is heated with dull tools, or if cutter speeds are too high, Purpleheart will exude a gummy resin that can clog tools and complicate the machining process. Depending on the grain orientation, can be difficult to plane without tearout. Purpleheart also has a moderate dulling effect on cutters. |
| Uses
| nlays/accent pieces, flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, heavy construction, and a variety of specialty wood items. |
| Availability
| nlays/accent pieces, flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, heavy construction, and a variety of specialty wood items. |
