LIPID COMPONENTS OF SPHAGNUM MOSSES

Abstract

Long chain hydrocarbons and fatty acids were isolated from six Sphagnum mosses. Considerable variation was found between species with regard to the dominant n-alkane present in each species. Saturated, mono–, di–, and tri-unsaturated fatty acids were found. The quantity and composition of the lipid fraction of these mosses indicate that Spaghnum peat would not be a commercial source of waxes. The small amounts of lipid found may explain the absorbency of these mosses and their usefulness as surgical dressings.