Maranhão Purpleheart
Scientific name: Peltogyne maranhensis
Overview
Maranhão Purpleheart is a rare tropical hardwood native to the Brazilian state of Maranhão and neighboring regions of the eastern Amazon Basin. A member of the Fabaceae family, it belongs to the Peltogyne genus, a remarkable group of hardwoods celebrated for their dramatic color transformation. Freshly cut heartwood begins as a dull grayish-brown or olive-brown before rapidly oxidizing into brilliant violet and deep purple tones after exposure to air.
Like its relatives, Maranhão Purpleheart combines exceptional density, outstanding natural durability, and striking beauty. Although it is seldom marketed separately from other Purpleheart species, authenticated specimens are highly valued by collectors, researchers, and fine woodworkers. Its limited natural distribution makes it one of the more uncommon members of the Peltogyne genus.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Maranhão Purpleheart
- Scientific Name: Peltogyne maranhensis
- 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 57 lbs/ft³ (915 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 2,520 lbf
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Freshly cut heartwood ranges from grayish-brown to olive-brown before oxidizing into vivid violet and deep purple after exposure to air. Over time, prolonged ultraviolet exposure gradually darkens the vibrant purple to a rich brownish-purple. The sapwood remains pale cream to yellowish-white and is clearly separated from the heartwood. Grain is usually straight but may occasionally be slightly interlocked, while the texture is fine to medium with a moderate natural luster.
Key identification traits include:
- Fresh heartwood initially grayish-brown
- Oxidizes into vivid violet and deep purple
- Pale cream to yellowish-white sapwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Fine to medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Excellent natural durability
Working Properties
Maranhão Purpleheart works much like other members of the Peltogyne genus. The wood is dense and benefits from sharp carbide tooling for machining operations. Slightly interlocked grain may occasionally cause tear-out during planing, while turning, sanding, and polishing generally produce outstanding results. Applying finishes with ultraviolet inhibitors helps preserve the wood’s vibrant purple coloration.
- Machines well with carbide tooling
- Moderately difficult due to density
- Interlocked grain may produce minor tear-out
- Turns exceptionally well
- Excellent polishing characteristics
- Glues well with proper preparation
- Produces a smooth, lustrous finish
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Repeated exposure may occasionally result in allergic skin reactions. Proper dust collection, respiratory protection, and eye protection should always be used during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Thanks to its vibrant coloration, exceptional durability, and impressive strength, Maranhão Purpleheart is used 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
Maranhão Purpleheart is native to one of Brazil’s most biologically diverse regions, where sustainable forest management is increasingly important. Like many Amazonian hardwoods, its long-term survival depends on responsible harvesting practices and continued protection of native forests.
Because most commercial Purpleheart lumber is sold without species-level identification, authenticated specimens of Peltogyne maranhensis remain relatively uncommon in both the lumber trade and private collections.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Purpleheart – The best-known commercial member of the genus, widely recognized for its brilliant purple heartwood and excellent durability.
Lecointe’s Purpleheart – A closely related Amazonian species with nearly identical color transformation and woodworking characteristics.
Dense-Flowered Purpleheart – Another Brazilian Purpleheart species valued for its outstanding durability and decorative appearance.
Related Guides
Preserving Color in Purpleheart & Padauk – Learn how oxidation and ultraviolet exposure influence Purpleheart’s famous color change and how proper finishing can help preserve it.
Building a Documented Wood Collection – Discover techniques for preserving and documenting rare wood specimens.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability – Learn how proper drying and acclimation contribute to long-term stability.
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
Maranhão Purpleheart is an outstanding addition to a documented Peltogyne collection. Because individual Purpleheart species are rarely separated in commercial trade, verified specimens are considerably more valuable from both botanical and educational perspectives. Recording the scientific name, country of origin, supplier, and acquisition date helps preserve the specimen’s historical value. Displaying this species alongside Purpleheart, Dense-Flowered Purpleheart, Lecointe’s Purpleheart, Recife Purpleheart, and Mexican Purpleheart highlights the remarkable diversity found within this colorful genus.
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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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