Leopardwood
Roupala montana • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with very coarse texture; most notably features large, conspicuous ray flecks on quarter-sawn surfaces appearing as dark brown spots or 'leopard' spots.
Color Description
Heartwood is a medium to dark reddish-brown with grayish or light brown rays. It has a high natural luster and the color tends to darken and become more rich with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,150 lbf (Very Hard to Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though may be susceptible to some insect attacks depending on the specific growing region.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (especially guitars), fine furniture, cabinetry, knife handles, inlay, wood turning, and specialty decorative items.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (specifically Brazil and surrounding tropical regions).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut; fresh surface suggests this is a relatively new kiln-dried pen blank or turning square, likely under 5 years since harvesting.
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 to work due to high density and the difference in hardness between the rays and the surrounding wood fibers. Prone to tearout during planing and can have a significant dulling effect on cutting edges.
Notable Features
Distinctive large medullary rays; has a slightly spicy scent when being worked; can be a skin irritant for some sensitive individuals due to natural oils.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well. A high-gloss polyurethane or oil-based finish is recommended to highlight the chatoyancy and depth of the ray flecks.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the very specific dark, 'pock-marked' appearance of the rays on the tangential surface is characteristic of Roupala montana.