Slender-Stem Purpleheart
Scientific name: Peltogyne gracilipes
Overview
Slender-Stem Purpleheart is a rare tropical hardwood native to the Amazon Basin, occurring primarily in northern Brazil and portions of the Guiana Shield. A member of the Fabaceae family, it belongs to the Peltogyne genus, a remarkable group of hardwoods famous for their dramatic purple heartwood and exceptional durability. The species name gracilipes, meaning “slender stem” or “slender stalk,” refers to the tree’s delicate floral or leaf stalks, a distinguishing botanical feature.
Like other members of the genus, freshly cut Slender-Stem Purpleheart displays a grayish-brown to olive-brown heartwood that rapidly transforms into brilliant violet and deep purple after exposure to oxygen. Its remarkable strength, natural decay resistance, and beautiful coloration make it highly desirable for fine woodworking, although it is rarely separated from other Purpleheart species in commercial timber markets.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Slender-Stem Purpleheart
- Scientific Name: Peltogyne gracilipes
- 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 is initially grayish-brown or olive-brown before oxidizing into vivid violet and deep purple. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet light 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 generally 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
- Develops vivid violet to deep purple after oxidation
- Pale cream to yellowish-white sapwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Fine to medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Excellent natural durability
Working Properties
Slender-Stem Purpleheart machines similarly to other members of the Peltogyne genus. Due to its density, sharp carbide tooling is recommended for the best machining results. Slightly interlocked grain may occasionally produce tear-out during planing, while turning, sanding, and polishing result in an exceptionally smooth finish. Finishes containing ultraviolet inhibitors help preserve the wood’s famous 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 lead to mild allergic skin reactions. Proper dust extraction, respiratory protection, and eye protection should be used during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
The striking appearance and exceptional durability of Slender-Stem Purpleheart make it suitable for numerous premium woodworking applications, including:
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Architectural millwork
- Flooring
- Decorative veneers
- Turned objects
- Knife handles
- Musical instruments
- Inlays
- Collector wood specimens
Sustainability & Notes
Slender-Stem Purpleheart grows within the Amazon rainforest, where sustainable forest management is essential for preserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy tropical ecosystems. Like most members of the Peltogyne genus, this species is rarely harvested or marketed separately from other Purpleheart species.
Verified specimens of Peltogyne gracilipes are uncommon in commercial lumber markets, making accurately identified material particularly valuable for botanical collections and educational purposes.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Purpleheart – The most commercially important member of the genus and the standard for comparison with other Purpleheart species.
Paradox Purpleheart – Another uncommon species with similar density, durability, and dramatic purple heartwood.
Sessile Purpleheart – A closely related species sharing comparable working characteristics and color transformation.
Related Guides
Preserving Color in Purpleheart & Padauk – Learn how oxidation and ultraviolet exposure influence Purpleheart’s famous purple color and how to preserve it.
Finishing Oils vs. Polyurethane on Exotic Species – Compare finishing systems that protect exotic hardwoods while enhancing their natural beauty.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability – Learn how proper drying and acclimation improve long-term dimensional 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
Slender-Stem Purpleheart is an excellent addition to a documented Peltogyne collection because authenticated specimens are seldom encountered in commercial lumber markets. Recording the scientific name, collection locality, supplier, and acquisition date increases both the educational and historical value of the specimen. Displaying this species alongside Purpleheart, Paradox Purpleheart, Sessile Purpleheart, Few-Flowered Purpleheart, Maranhão Purpleheart, Lecointe’s Purpleheart, Dense-Flowered Purpleheart, Recife Purpleheart, and Mexican Purpleheart demonstrates the remarkable diversity found within one of the world’s most distinctive hardwood genera.
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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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