Recife Purpleheart
Scientific name: Peltogyne recifensis
Overview
Recife Purpleheart is a rare and little-known member of the Peltogyne genus native to the Atlantic coastal forests of northeastern Brazil, particularly in the state of Pernambuco near Recife, from which it derives its common name. Like all Purpleheart species, it belongs to the Fabaceae family and is prized for the remarkable transformation of its heartwood from a dull grayish-brown when freshly cut to a rich violet or deep purple after exposure to air and light.
Although seldom harvested on the same scale as more widespread Purpleheart species, Recife Purpleheart shares the genus’ reputation for exceptional strength, excellent durability, and striking natural color. Because of its limited distribution, it is rarely encountered in international lumber markets and is of particular interest to collectors and botanical researchers.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Recife Purpleheart
- Scientific Name: Peltogyne recifensis
- Region: South American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft (18–30 m) tall, 2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 56 lbs/ft³ (900 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 2,520 lbf
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Freshly cut Recife Purpleheart heartwood appears grayish-brown or dull brown before rapidly oxidizing into its signature violet to deep purple color. With prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, the vibrant purple gradually darkens toward a rich brownish-purple. The sapwood remains pale cream to yellowish-white and is clearly separated from the heartwood. Grain is generally straight but may occasionally be interlocked, while the texture is fine to medium with a naturally moderate luster.
Key identification traits include:
- Fresh heartwood initially grayish-brown
- Oxidizes to vivid violet or deep purple
- Pale cream to yellow sapwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Fine to medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Excellent natural durability
Working Properties
Recife Purpleheart machines similarly to other members of the Peltogyne genus. Its high density requires sharp carbide tooling, while interlocked grain may occasionally produce tear-out during planing. The wood glues and finishes well, although freshly machined surfaces should be protected from excessive sunlight to preserve the vibrant purple coloration as long as possible.
- Machines well with sharp carbide tools
- Moderately difficult to work due to density
- Interlocked grain may produce tear-out
- Turns exceptionally well
- Excellent polishing characteristics
- Glues satisfactorily
- Finishes to a smooth, lustrous surface
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Some individuals may also experience allergic reactions after repeated exposure. Proper dust collection, respiratory protection, and eye protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Thanks to its exceptional appearance, strength, and durability, Recife Purpleheart is valued for numerous decorative and specialty woodworking applications, including:
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Architectural millwork
- Flooring
- Decorative veneers
- Turned objects
- Knife handles
- Musical instruments
- Inlays
- Collector wood specimens
Sustainability & Notes
Recife Purpleheart has one of the smallest natural distributions within the Peltogyne genus, occurring primarily within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest biome. This ecosystem has experienced significant habitat loss over the past century due to urban expansion, agriculture, and deforestation.
Because of its restricted range, sustainable forest management and habitat conservation are especially important for preserving this uncommon species. Commercial exports remain limited, making authenticated specimens relatively uncommon outside Brazil.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Purpleheart – The best-known member of the Peltogyne genus, valued for its vivid purple heartwood, exceptional durability, and widespread commercial availability.
Mexican Purpleheart – A closely related species with similar color transformation and woodworking properties but a more restricted natural range.
Nazareno – Another prized purple-colored hardwood that develops rich violet tones and is popular for fine furniture and decorative woodworking.
Related Guides
Purpleheart Species Guide – Explore the various Peltogyne species and learn how they differ in appearance, distribution, and woodworking characteristics.
Preserving Color in Purpleheart & Padauk – Learn how oxidation and ultraviolet light affect color and how proper finishing can help preserve vibrant wood tones.
Finishing Oils vs. Polyurethane on Exotic Species – Compare finishing methods that enhance both durability and natural color.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Recife Purpleheart is one of the rarer members of the Peltogyne genus and is highly desirable for collectors specializing in exotic tropical hardwoods. Because commercial exports are uncommon, documented specimens are particularly valuable. Collectors should record the scientific name, collection locality, supplier, and acquisition date whenever possible. A complete Purpleheart collection displaying multiple Peltogyne species provides an outstanding study of one of nature’s most remarkable color-changing hardwood groups.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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