The Genus Rhizopogon in Europe

The species of genus Rhizopogon Fr. form fruitbodies of rather simple structure, with angiocarpic development and hypogeous or semihypogeous habit. The genus is placed in the family Rhizopogonaceae Gaum & Dodge (Boletales Gilbert). A survey of the mycological literature reveals 190 specific names associated with Rhizopogon worldwide, though in the most recent works about European hypogeous fungi only five species are mentioned.

In this first revision of the genus in Europe, 21 species are accepted: R. abietis A.H. Smith, R. angustisepta Zeller & Dodge, R. aurantiacus A.H. Smith, R. corsicus V. Demoulin & B. Moyersoen ined., R. ellenae A.H. Smith, R. evadens A.H. Smith, R. fuscorubens A.H. Smith, R. luteolus Fr. & Nordholm, R. marchii (Bres.) Zeller & Dodge, R. melanogastroides M. Lange, R. occidentalis Zeller & Dodge, R. ochraceorubens A.H. Smith, R. pannosus Zeller & Dodge, R. rocabrunae M.P. Martín sp. nov., R. roseolus (Corda) Th.M. Fr., R. subalpinus A.H. Smith, R. subolivascens A.H. Smith, R. subsalmonius A.H. Smith, R. verii G. Pacioni, R. villosulus Zeller and R. vinicolor A.H. Smith.

For each species the following subjects are discussed: morphology, type material, taxonomy and affinities with other species. Information about phenology and chorology are provided when data are available. Illustrations of each species are included.