Roupala montana Aubl.

Growth Form and Height

Roupala montana Aubl. grows as a shrub or tree, typically reaching 1 to 8 metres (3 to 26 feet) tall, and occasionally growing up to 25 metres (82 feet) tall.

Leaf Characteristics

Adult plants usually have simple leaves, though leaves are sometimes compound.

Taxonomic Classification Note

This species is an ochlospecies, meaning it has high morphological variability that cannot be adequately organized into a formal classification.

Synonymy Rationale

It has a very wide distribution, so a large number of species and varieties have been named based on variation between different collected specimens.

Geographical Distribution

Roupala montana is distributed from northern Mexico, through Central America, to Trinidad and Tobago, and across South America as far south as southern Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.

General Uses

This species is used as fuel wood and to make high quality charcoal, it is used medicinally, and it sees limited use in woodworking and construction.

Woodworking Applications

Its wood is commonly used for wood turning, and is sold as small spindles and blocks.

Timber Trade Name

Specialist exotic wood suppliers usually market this timber under the name Leopardwood, though it can be confused with wood from other species such as Lacewood, which comes from Panopsis rubescens and Panopsis sessilifolia.

Wood Figuring

Quartersawn sections of Roupala montana wood have prominent figuring.

Wood Workability

The wood turns well and takes a good finish.

Common Name Synonymy

Roupala montana is one of several species that share the common name bois bandé, alongside Parinari campestris and Richeria grandis.

Reputed Medicinal Properties

These species are reputed to have aphrodisiac properties.