Leopardwood
Roupala montana • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Highly distinctive lacelike or spotted figure on quartersawn surfaces due to very large medullary rays; grain is fairly straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, uneven texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a reddish-brown to medium-brown color with lighter contrasting spots that resemble the coat of a leopard. It has a high natural luster and tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,150 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though rarely used in outdoor settings due to high cost and aesthetic value.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, decorative veneers, cabinetry, knife handles, musical instruments (especially guitar backs/sides), turned objects, and inlay work.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (ranging from Mexico down to Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Sample appears to be a raw, weathered offcut; oxidation on the surface suggests it has been exposed to air for 1-3 years, though it is likely heartwood from a tree several decades old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered sustainable but less common than other tropical hardwoods.
Workability
Difficult to work due to high density and the differing hardness between the ray flecks and the surrounding wood. Can cause significant tearout during planing; requires sharp carbide tools and slow feed rates. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Known for its unique 'reptilian' or 'leopard' look; has a moderate scent when freshly cut. The large rays can cause the wood to splinter easily at the edges of a cut.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes enhance the figure and chatoyance; film-building finishes like lacquer or polyurethane work well but may require grain filling due to the coarse texture.
Identification Confidence
High; the large, distinct medullary ray flecks and reddish-brown background are characteristic of Roupala montana (Leopardwood), distinguishing it from the similar but lighter Lacewood (Panopsis spp.).