Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Leopardwood is harvested from the Roupala montana Tree. R. montana is native to a large swath of New World Forest, ranging from Mexico in the North, through Central America, out to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago as well as across South America to southern Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, and Southern Brazil.
Common Names: Leopardwood, Faiera
The Tree: The tree can grow up to 150 feet tall with a trunk that 2 to 3 feet in diameter. The bark is mottled in appearance. The branches are cover with simple leaves arranged in opposite pairs, white to cream-colored flowers and fruit studded with rough points.
Appearance: Leopardwood is a reddish-brown species with unusual graining pattern which consists of a multitude of “eyes”. It is almost exclusively quarter-sawn. Prior to being sanded, the flecked portion’s slightly elevated positioning on the wood’s surface gives it a true 3D look. Leopardwood undergoes a slight muting of the color range when fresh milled and will darken slightly over time to a medium orangey-brown color.
Density: Average reported specific gravity ranges from .73 to .89 with an average dry weight of 55 pounds per cubic foot. Leopardwood is reported to have a high density. Janka hardness is 2,150 pounds of force.
Drying and Shrinkage: Leopardwood dries rapidly but tends to distort. Shrinkage values are 3.5% radial, 8.8% tangential, 11.5% volumetric.
Working Properties: It is moderately hard. Leopardwood works easy, glues, stains and finishes well. Leopardwood has a moderate blunting effect on cutting edges.
Durability: Most species are reported to be very durable regarding decay resistance.
Uses: Veneer, cabinetry, fine furniture, musical instruments (mostly guitars) and turned objects. Leopardwood is also used in accent strips and borders where many “eyes” found in this unique species are desired for contrasting effect.
Availability: Limited availability and is considered a valuable import. Leopardwood is available from specialty wood suppliers.