Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Peltogyne purpurea, commonly known as purpleheart, is a tropical hardwood tree native to the rainforests of Costa Rica through Colombia. It is a slow-growing canopy tree recognized for its dense, durable wood and its distinctive deep purple heartwood, which darkens and intensifies in color after being exposed to air and light. In its native range, it contributes to forest structure and biodiversity. The wood is highly valued for its strength, longevity, and striking appearance, and is commonly used in fine woodworking, flooring, cabinetry, and specialty crafts.

Risks & Threats
This species is not known to be invasive or naturalized in Hawaiʻi and currently presents low ecological risk in the islands. Its main global concern is not spread or ecological impact, but overharvesting driven by demand for its valuable timber. Unsustainable logging in its native range can contribute to population declines and habitat degradation if not carefully managed. In Hawaiʻi, the species is considered low risk, though responsible sourcing is important to support conservation of wild populations.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Nitrogen fixing, and may modify soil chemistry and nutrient availability (also may be considered a desirable trait under certain circumstances)
  
• Fruits are single seeded wind-dispersed, dehiscent legumes which explode when dry

Low Risk Traits:

• No records of naturalization or invasiveness (although no evidence of cultivation outside native range)
  
• Limited climatic amplitude (may only thrive in low elevation tropical climates)
  
• Unarmed
  
• Slow-growing
  
• Shade-intolerant
  
• Timber tree