Purpleheart

Purpleheart (Pelto Gyne spp.)

Common names: Amarant

Distribution : Central and South America (from Mexico down do southern Brazil)

Color/appearance : Deep eggplant purple. With further age and exposure to UV light, the wood becomes a dark brown with a hint of purple. Can be avoided by applying a coating of “Anti U.V.” product.

Janka hardness: 2520 lbf

Density: 4.66/b.f.

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 3.8%

Tangential (width): 6.4%,

Volumetric (total): 10.6%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.7

Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. Purpleheart has also been reported to cause nausea.

Sustainability (listing):

CITES: NO

IUCN:  NO

Common Uses: Inlays/accent pieces, flooring, furniture, boat-building, specialty wood items.