The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Purpleheart \Pur"ple*heart`\, n. (Bot.)
   A strong, durable, and elastic wood of a purplish color,
   obtained from several tropical American leguminous trees of
   the genus Copaifera (Copaifera pubiflora, Copaifera
   bracteata, and Copaifera officinalis). Used for decorative
   veneering. See Copaiba.
   [1913 Webster]