ABSTRACT: An infrageneric classification is proposed for 80 tropical African Lactarius species. These are classified in 5 subgenera and 18 sections, including one new subgenus, Russulopsis, and 7 new sections: Afrobarbati, Amari, Aurantiifolii, Chromospermi, Pulchrispermi, Russuliformes and Russulopsidei. Most of the sections are classified within the existing subgenera, but the systematic position of some other sections, as well as a small number of insufficiently known species, needs further studies. Only two sections, Rugati and Plinthogali, are also represented outside tropical regions.

KEYWORDS: Lactariopsis, Lactiflui, Plinthogali, Piperites, Russulopsis

NOMENCLATURAL NOVELTIES:
Lactarius Pers. subg. Russulopsis Verbeken, p. 439
Lactarius Pers. sect. Afrobarbati Verbeken, p. 439
Lactarius Pers. sect. Amari Verbeken, p. 441
Lactarius Pers. sect. Aurantiifolii Verbeken, p. 441
Lactarius Pers. sect. Chromospermi Verbeken, p. 439
Lactarius Pers. sect. Pulchrispermi Verbeken, p. 442
Lactarius Pers. sect. Russuliformes Verbeken, p. 441
Lactarius Pers. sect. Russulopsidei Verbeken, p. 440