Leopardwood
Roupala montana • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with very large medullary rays creating a spotted lacewood or leopard-skin figure; otherwise straight-grained but fairly coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is a medium to dark reddish-brown with prominent dark brown to black spots (ray flecks). It may darken slightly over time with UV exposure; low to medium luster.
Hardness Rating
2,150 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though rarely used outdoors due to cost and decorative value.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments, turned objects, knife handles, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (principally Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 to $35.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity.
Wood Age Estimate
Sample appears to be a modern offcut or pen blank, likely less than 5-10 years old with some surface oxidation and dirt accumulation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered a sustainable exotic alternative to Lacewood.
Workability
Fairly difficult to work; high density and large rays can lead to significant tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well, but requires sharp tools to prevent chipping.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its flecked appearance which resembles leopard spots; has a noticeablle sweet scent when being worked and high density/weight.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear finishes like tung oil or polyurethane to highlight the depth of the ray figure; sanding to a high grit is necessary to prevent the rays from feeling raised.
Identification Confidence
High; the large, dark, distinct medullary ray flecks on a reddish-brown background are a signature chemotaxonomic feature of Roupala montana (Leopardwood).