CHEMICAL LICHEN ANALYSIS .10. LEPRARIA-RI GIDULA (B-DELESD) TONSBERG

150 specimens of Lepraria rigidula - for the most part from Central Eu rope - have been analysed using thin layer chromatography as well as p artly lichen mass spectrometry. Constant major compounds are atranorin and nephrosteranic acid, the latter one is accompanied by one or two minor compounds the structure of which is not known. The occurrence of nephrosteranic acid in this species is reported for the first time. T he presence of usnic acid and zeorin which are detected occasionally i s interpreted as contamination. The species is reported for the first time from Southern Europe, Asia (Turky) and Africa (Morocco).