This paper questions the validity of the traditional features used to delimit genera in the order Russulales. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of ribosomal genes (ITS-nucLSU) and part of a protein-coding gene (RPB2) indicate that four phylogenetically distinct clades are identified within Russulaceae. In the light of molecular and morphological evidence, the authors demonstrate that one group of species, presently classified by several modern authors as subsection Ochricompactae within Russula subgenus Compacta, corresponds to a monophyletic entity that includes typical species of both Russula and Lactarius, and that the shared morphology between these Russula species and the very rare American Lactarius furcatus Coker is not a matter of convergence. Several of the species here discussed are remarkable for their outstanding hymenial features and reminiscent of resupinate taxa. Multifurca gen. nov. is described to accommodate L. furcatus and the species of Russula subsect. Ochricompactae, with the exception of R. grossa, which should be transferred to Russula sect. Heterophyllae. Multifurca roxburghiae sp
