Leopardwood
Roupala montana • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary rays creating a lacelike or spotted figure. The grain is typically straight but can be interlocked, with a coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is a medium to dark reddish-brown with grey-brown or light-colored flecks. It has a high natural luster and develops a deep, rich patina with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,150 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack, making it suitable for high-wear environments.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (guitar backs/sides), knife handles, turning, veneer, and decorative inlay.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (primarily Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Cannot determine tree age from an end-grain profile alone; however, the fresh luster and lack of significant oxidation suggest the lumber was finished recently.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered a sustainable exotic alternative to Lacewood.
Workability
Difficult due to its high density and tendency to tear out during planing. It has a high silica content that dulls cutting edges quickly. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive large medullary rays that resemble leopard spots when quarter-sawn. Heavy and dense with a distinct, slightly spicy scent when worked.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with clear oils or thin lacquers to highlight the chatoyance of the rays. A pore filler may be needed if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of deep reddish-brown heartwood and the specific geometric shape of the medullary rays seen in this quarter-sawn sample is diagnostic for Roupala montana.