The Purpleheart tree, belonging to the genus Peltogyne, is a large tropical tree primarily recognized for its unique and colorful lumber. This species is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, with a distribution ranging from Mexico down to southeastern Brazil. The tree itself is a prominent feature of the upper canopy. It is the vibrant wood found inside the trunk that gives the species its common name. Purpleheart is a source of one of the world’s most distinctive and durable timbers, highly sought after for its physical properties and striking appearance.
Overall Structure and Bark
The Purpleheart tree often grows to heights between 100 and 170 feet, making it one of the taller trees in the canopy. Its trunk can reach diameters of up to four feet, providing a base for the expansive crown. The tree typically develops a rounded, sometimes mushroom-shaped, canopy that stands out above the surrounding forest foliage.
The main trunk is generally straight and cylindrical, often remaining clear of limbs for a significant height. At the base, you may observe short buttress roots, which help to stabilize the towering structure in the tropical soil. The bark of a mature Purpleheart tree is usually smooth and light gray, sometimes developing light fissures as the tree ages. This light-colored exterior contrasts with the wood’s internal color.
The Defining Feature: The Purple Heartwood
The most remarkable feature of the Purpleheart tree is its heartwood, the dense inner core that is not actually purple when first cut. When the tree is freshly felled or lumber is milled, the wood appears a dull grayish-brown or sometimes a pale pink-brown color. The dramatic color change is triggered by exposure to air and light, a process known as oxidation.
Within a few days of exposure, the wood rapidly transforms, deepening into a rich, saturated purple hue. This color can range from a deep violet to a vibrant eggplant purple, a shade unique among commercial timbers. Over many years, particularly with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, the color can eventually degrade to a dark brown with only a subtle hint of the original purple. Items made from Purpleheart wood look most vibrant when newly exposed or when a UV-inhibiting finish has been applied.
Foliage, Flowers, and Fruit
The foliage of the Purpleheart tree provides visual identification, featuring an alternate leaf arrangement. Each leaf is compound, meaning it is divided into a single symmetrical pair of large leaflets, a characteristic known as bifoliate. These leaflets typically measure between two and four inches long and one to two inches wide.
The tree produces small flowers that are often fragrant and appear in clusters called panicles. These blossoms are generally white or greenish-white and feature five distinct petals. Following the flowering period, the tree develops its fruit in the form of a small, flat seed pod. These pods are typically brown, oval-shaped, and contain a single seed, measuring up to two inches in length.