Which Amazonian tree is the source of the wood called purpleheart?

Peltogyne is the Amazonian tree genus that provides the timber commonly called purpleheart.

Peltogyne species are tropical trees native to Central and South America, including the Amazon region. Their heartwood is often brown when freshly cut but can develop a striking violet or purple color after exposure to air and light. This unusual color makes purpleheart highly recognizable in woodworking.

The timber is dense, hard, and durable, so it has been used for flooring, furniture, turning, heavy construction, and decorative work. The name refers to wood from several Peltogyne species rather than one single universally used species.

Purpleheart should not be confused with mahogany, which generally refers to Swietenia species, or rubberwood from Hevea brasiliensis. Sustainable sourcing is important because valuable tropical hardwoods can be affected by illegal logging and habitat loss.