Leopardwood
Scientific name: Roupala montana
Overview
Leopardwood is a South American hardwood best known for its distinctive spotted figure and strong visual contrast. Native primarily to Brazil, it is valued for decorative woodworking applications where appearance is a primary consideration.
The name “Leopardwood” comes from the irregular dark flecking visible on flatsawn surfaces, which resembles the patterning of a leopard’s coat. This unique figure makes Leopardwood a popular choice for accent pieces and specialty projects.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Leopardwood
- Scientific Name: Roupala montana
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Central America & Northern South America)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 53 lbs/ft³ (850 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,150 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark brown with distinctive flecked figure
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Leopardwood is identified primarily by its bold, spotted figure visible on flatsawn boards. The base color ranges from light tan to medium brown, with darker flecks distributed irregularly across the surface.
Figure intensity varies widely between boards, making individual selection important.
Key identification traits include:
- Distinctive spotted or mottled figure
- Light to medium brown heartwood
- Open pore structure
- Medium texture
Working Properties
Leopardwood works reasonably well with both hand and machine tools, though its interlocked grain can present challenges.
- Machines and turns well
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out
- Sands smoothly
- Glues reliably
- Finishes well, enhancing contrast and figure
Clear finishes tend to highlight the spotted pattern most effectively.
Safety Note
Dust from Leopardwood may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Leopardwood is commonly used in decorative and specialty applications, including:
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Decorative panels
- Turned objects
- Small accent pieces
- Specialty woodworking projects
It is selected primarily for appearance rather than structural performance.
Sustainability & Notes
Leopardwood is not currently listed under CITES restrictions and remains commercially available. Availability can vary by supplier and region.
As with all tropical hardwoods, buyers are encouraged to seek suppliers that document legal harvesting and responsible forestry practices.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Gonçalo Alves – A decorative hardwood known for its bold grain patterns and contrasting coloration, often used in furniture, flooring, and specialty woodworking.
Bocote – A striking hardwood prized for its dramatic grain patterns and contrast, frequently used in turning, knife handles, and fine woodworking.
Ziricote – A dense Central American hardwood valued for its dark dramatic figuring and use in high-end furniture and musical instruments.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain figure and pattern helps distinguish decorative hardwoods like leopardwood from other tropical species.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working characteristics of hardwood species.
Identifying Unknown Wood Samples
Provides techniques for identifying wood by grain and figure, which is especially useful for distinguishing Leopardwood’s distinctive flecked pattern from other visually similar hardwoods.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Leopardwood is favored by collectors for its distinctive figure rather than rarity. Boards with bold, evenly distributed spotting are especially desirable for visible applications.
Collectors often select boards in person due to the wide variation in figure and contrast. Proper drying and storage help preserve surface quality and minimize movement in figured material.
Video Overview
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
HORUSDY 8-Pack Bar Clamps for Woodworking – https://amzn.to/4cx7iHb
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/4sS0mZO
CRAFT RESIN Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin Kit – https://amzn.to/4w7oj2v
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