Leopardwood
Roupala montana • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary rays creating a lacelike or leopard-spot figure; grain is typically straight but texture is very coarse and uneven.
Color Description
Medium to dark reddish-brown heartwood with lighter, brownish-pink rays that create a distinct contrast; luster is moderate and the wood tends to darken slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
2,150 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high resistance to rot and decay, though moderately susceptible to insect attack in certain environments.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments (guitar backs/sides), turned objects, and decorative knife handles.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (primarily Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock; likely kiln-dried and processed within the last 5-10 years based on clean mechanical cuts and lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable but less common than Lacewood.
Workability
Challenging due to high density and the large rays which are prone to tearout during planing; requires sharp carbide tooling and pre-drilling for screws.
Notable Features
Features a very distinct odor when worked; the large medullary rays are its most defining characteristic, similar to Lacewood but significantly denser and darker.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or an oil-based polyurethane to make the figure pop; requires sealer if using film finishes to ensure the open pores are filled.
Identification Confidence
High; the broad, flecked medullary rays on a reddish-brown background are a classic diagnostic feature of quarter-sawn Roupala montana (Leopardwood).