A chemotaxonomic study of the Xanthoparmelia pulla group in Algeria

The Xanthoparmelia pulla group is well represented in Algeria from coastal to desert areas. As it is difficult to recognize the species without chemical data, we undertook a study of specimens collected in Algeria using chromatography (TLC and HPLC), mass spectrometry and fluorimetry. Our results confirm the presence of six species, two of which are represented by two chemotypes. We report two diphenyl ethers (beta-collatolic and beta-alectoronic acids) for the first time in X. glabrans. We also provide a key to these taxa based on chemical data, and employ a new test combining UV and K reactions.