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.
