Galanthus reginae-olgae

Galanthus reginae-olgae is closely related to G. nivalis, and for many years was considered to be a subspecies of the latter. Both species have applanate (flat) vernation, narrow linear leaves, and a single green mark at the apex of each inner perianth segment, which is often the same shape. Despite the similarities between these two species there are obvious differences, including flowering time, leaf length (at flowering), and leaf colour. Galanthus reginae-olgae is predominantly autumn- to early winter-flowering, whereas G. nivalis is late winter- to early spring-flowering; these differences persist in cultivation. The leaves of G. reginae-olgae are either absent at the onset of flowering or are only about 2–3 cm long (excluding G. reginae-olgae subsp. vernalis: see below), in contrast to those of G. nivalis which are always several centimetres long at flowering time. The upper leaf surface of G. reginae-olgae has a conspicuous glaucous (greyish to grey) stripe running down the middle of the leaf. There is sometimes a greyish stripe on the leaf of G. nivalis, but it is never as obvious as that of G. reginae-olgae and is often absent. The upper leaf surface of G. reginae-olgae is usually a darker green than G. nivalis, which makes the grey median stripe more pronounced. The under surface of the leaf is usually lighter in colour (whitish grey) than G. nivalis (pale grey). Galanthus reginae-olgae is divided into two subspecies: ssp. reginae-olgae and ssp. vernalis. These two subspecies are separated on flowering time, and leaf length at the onset of flowering (Davis 1999, 2001).

Galanthus reginae-olgae is found in a variety of habitats, such as stunted woodland, deciduous woodland, amongst rocks and scrub, near streams on sloping ground, and in river valleys and gorges. It is most abundant at higher altitudes, around 1,000 m. Like other species from southern Europe, most of these habitats provide suitable micro-environments in areas otherwise unsuitable for a predominately woodland plant. This species seems to prefers limestone substrate (Phitos et al. 1995; Davis, 1999). The populations in Sicily are found on rocky outcrops in an oak forest.