Suillus brevipes is an introduced species typically associated with 2-and 3-needle pines in North America. Three varieties of S. brevipes have been described, all based primarily on colour differences and minor morphological characters such as length of stipe. New Zealand collections agree most closely with the type variety.

In some fruitbodies the stipe is somewhat longer than is usual in var. brevipes. This difference is perhaps not important for, as Smith and Thiers (1964) pointed out, the length of the stipe probably '"depends largely on the compactness of the substratum. A possibly more significant character is the reddish coloration at the extreme base of the stipe. This character, which is relatively constant in New Zealand collections, was noted by Coker and Beers (1943), but was not mentioned by Singer (1945b) and Smith and Thiers (1964).

S. brevipes has been found only in association with Pinus radiata in New Zealand. An interesting situation was observed at Woodhill State Forest in autumn 1966 where Suillus brevipes was fruiting abundantly under Pinus radiata, but was absent from adjacent compartments of P. pinaster and other species. The fruiting period of Suillus brevipes often extends well into the winter and in 1966 and 1967 it was still fruiting when all other Suilli had disappeared. Coker and Beers (1943) and Smith and Thiers (1964) also noted that it often appeared late in the season. It is reported to be an edible species by North American writers.

S. brevipes is allied to S. granulatus, but may be distinguished by the relatively short stipe, paucity or absence of glandulae and typically darker colour of the pileus. The range in colour of the pileus is similar to that encountered in S. luteus. S. brevipes has not previously been recorded from New Zealand.

TYPE LOCALITY: New York State, U.S.A.