Purplewood originates from the tree genus Peltogyne, which grows in northern Brazil, Venezuela, the Guianas and Trinidad. Until the late 19th century purple wood was thought to be the product of Copaifera pubiflora Benth. There was also often misconception with kingwood, as both were called 'Violet Wood'. In France purplewood was known as 'amarante' and occurs frequently in high status French furniture from the late 17th century onwards. It was one of the most commonly used exotic woods of the Regency and Rococo periods. In Britain it was used less frequently, with no documented usage before 1770. London firms were supplied purplewood in conjunction with tulipwood and kingwood, as they were imported along the same trade routes. Trade between Spanish Trinidad and the British West Indies was technically forbidden by the Spanish in the 18th century, but they were unable to enforce the ban. In 1797 Trinidad was taken from the Spanish and it became a British colony in 1802. This meant an increased availability of the wood, at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. This is reflected in its inclusion in the London Cabinet-Makers' Book of Prices of 1793 and 1811. It was also displayed in the Great Exhibition of 1851. Purplewood was used in furniture making, but also had other applications, such as gun carriages.