Other Common Names:
Amaranth

Botanical Name:
Peltogyne spp.

Family:
Leguminosae

Mature Tree Height, Diameter:
to 170 ft , 1.5-4 ft

Weight @ 12% M/C:
50-66 lbs./ft.3

Working Properties:
Moderately difficult to work, dulls cutters, exudes gummy resign when heated by dull tools, slow feed rates suggested.

Growing Regions:
Mexico to southern Brazil

General Characteristics:
Deep purple color turning to dark brown on exposure, texture medium to high, grain usually straight sometimes irregular.

Uses:
Turnery, marquetry, cabinetry, furniture, parquet, tool handles, heavy construction, shipbuilding, specialty items.

Acceptable Substitutes:

References:
"Tropical Timbers of the World", USDA Handbook #607, Sept. 1984, p. 124

Discussion:
Used chiefly for its unique color which gradually fades to and attractive brown. Sometimes contains silica.