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REDWOOD Forest Prodrrcts
G OME WOODS are workhorses, tJ dense and durable, suited for heavy duty uses. Others are showhorses, ideal for fine detail work to display their radiant beauty. Purpleheart is both.
About 20 species of Peltogne throughout tropical America produce purpleheart, also known as amaranth and violetwood. It grows from Mexico down to southern Brazil, predominantly in the Guianas and the Amazon basin of Brazil.
The heartwood is a deep purpleviolet when first cut, gradually weathering to a dark brown. Recutting will restore the original shade, while laquer helps to hold the color. Conversely, sunlight, steaming and spirit finishes fade the purple color.
It is straight-grained but often irregular, wavy and occasionally interlocked, producing an attractive striped figure on quartered surfaces. Texture is moderate to fine.
Although ample in supply in South America, purpleheart's limited import into the U.S. and its showy appearance make it rather expensive. Consequently, domestic uses are mostly decorative, such as for inlay and overlay for fine furniture and