Studies in tropical African Lactarius species. 8. A synopsis of the subgenus Plinthogali

A review is given of the tropical African representatives of the genus Lactarius subgenus Plinthogali (Burl.) Hesler & Smith. In this subgenus the new section Nigrescentes Verbeken (incl. L. orientalis stat. nov.) is defined for species with a blackening context. For the species with a rather smooth, sometimes shiny cap and latex changing to greyishbrownish when drying, the section Pseudofuliginosi Verbeken sect. nov. is proposed (incl. Lactarius atroolivinus Verbeken & Walleyn spec. nov.). All other representatives are provisionally classified in the section Plinthogali (incl. Lactarius sulcatus Verbeken & Walleyn spec. nov., L. tenellus Verbeken & Walleyn nom. nov.) before a more worldwide revision permits a further split of this diverse group. A checklist of the species is given, supplemented with illustrated descriptions of some species. The taxonomic position of Arcangeliella dolichocaulis Pegl., showing affinities with Lactarius subgenus Plinthogali, is discussed.