 Molecular analysis has shown the species to be related to other typical Mediterranean Suillus species such as S. bellinii , S. luteus , and S. mediterraneensis . S. collinitus is a mycorrhizal species , and forms associations with several species of pine , most notably the Aleppo pine . This tree species is commonly used in reforestation schemes and soil conservation against erosion in the Mediterranean region , and S. collinitus is often used as a beneficial inoculant to help the young trees better survive in typically harsh soil conditions . 
