Leopardwood

Leopardwood exotic lumber is reddish-brown with light brown or gray rays.  When the lumber is quartersawn, the rays appear as “flecks” or “spots.  Because  the appearance of these “spots” resembles the coat of a leopard, the lumber earned the name “leopardwood.”

Leopardwood is harvested in Central and South America.  It is a dense wood and is resistant to rot.  It is sometimes confused with Lacewood, which is also a South American wood.  Lacewood is much less dense than Leopardwood.  It is lighter in color and is susceptible to decay.