World of Wood

The Wonderful World of Wood:

Purpleheart:

• "Peltogyne spp"

Other Names:

• Amaranth {U.S.A}.
• Koroboreli, Saka, Sakavalli {Guyana}.
• Purperhart {Surinam}.
• Pau roxo, Amarante {Brazil}.

Sources:

• Central and South America.

Tree Characteristics:

• A tall tree, producing a long straight trunk about 3ft 3in in diameter.
• The average height is 120ft but can be more.

Characteristics of the wood:

• A uniform wood, with fine to medium texture, it is usually straight grained, but sometimes irregular.
• The wood displays an attractive purple colour when freshly cut, darkening to rich brown after a time due to to oxidation.
• It is a strong, resilient wood and very durable.

Workability:

• It works moderately well, but quickly dulls cutting edges.
• The resin content makes machine cutting difficult.
• It is a good wood for turning, and gules well.

Average dried weight:

• 55lb/cuft.

Finishing:

• It takes stain, and finishes well with wax polish, sprit based polishes can affect the natural colour.

Common uses:

• Building construction.
• Boatbuilding.
• Flooring.
• Furniture.
• Turnery.
• Veneer.