Liverworts grow prolifically in Scotland, especially in the west.
Recently we have developed an NMR profiling method based on direct extraction of plant material with the NMR solvent CDCl 3 . In collaboration with groups in Germany, we are now investigating the systematics of the large and morphologically difficult genus Plagiochila . In the case of Plagiochila atlantica F.Rose, a European endemic, atlanticol and plagiochiline C have served as chemical pointers to a systematic relationship with Neotropical species notable for the presence of leaf surface waxes. Subsequent morphological studies have confirmed the relationship through the discovery of leaf surface waxes in P. atlantica . Further information Structural elucidation of natural products using NMR spectroscopy Strategies have been developed to organise the structural elucidation process so that conclusions are unprejudiced by known structures.