Leopardwood
Roupala montana • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with very large medullary rays producing a flecked, honeycomb, or leopard-spot figure. Generally straight or slightly interlocked grain with a coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is a medium to dark reddish-brown with prominent dark brown to black spots (rays). The wood has a high natural luster and the color tends to deepen and become more uniform with light exposure and age.
Hardness Rating
2,150 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay, though somewhat susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (mainly guitars), furniture, cabinetry, knife handles, turned objects, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (primarily Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 to $40.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and size.
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate from image; the rough-cut surface shows fresh oxidation and circular saw marks, suggesting a recently processed timber blank or turning block.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered a sustainable alternative to Lacewood.
Workability
Difficult naturally due to high density and the difference in hardness between the rays and the surrounding wood. Can cause significant tearout during planing and dulls cutting edges quickly. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'leopard-like' spots when quarter-sawn. Heavy and dense. No characteristic odor, but sawdust can be a skin and respiratory irritant for some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with oils or clear lacquers that highlight the depth of the medullary rays. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane also work well but may require careful sanding to avoid uneven absorption between rays.
Identification Confidence
High. The extremely prominent reddish-brown medullary ray flecks on a quarter-sawn face are a diagnostic signature of the Roupala genus, often confused only with Lacewood (Panopsis spp.), which is typically lighter and softer.