Galanthus
A genus of bulbous perennials with white bell-shaped flowers.
Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrop, is a small genus of approximately 20 species of bulbous perennial herbaceous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. The genus is characterized by two linear leaves and a single small white drooping bell-shaped flower with six petal-like tepals in two whorls, the inner ones bearing green markings.
- Scientific name
- Galanthus
- Common name
- Snowdrop
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Number of species
- Approximately 20
- Native range
- Europe and the Middle East, from the Pyrenees to the Caucasus and Iran, south to Sicily, the Peloponnese, Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria
- Flowering season
- Most species flower in winter before the vernal equinox; some in early spring and late autumn
- Chromosome number
- 2n=24
Lore & Background
Snowdrops have been known since early times, described by the classical Greek author Theophrastus in the fourth century BCE in his work 'Historia plantarum'. He gave the plant the name λευκόἲον (Leucojum), noting it as the first flower to appear in winter or spring depending on climate. Gerard noted the plant had originated in Italy and had 'taken possession' in England 'many years past'.
Reader's Guide
Linnaeus distinguished this genus from Leucojum, under which name it had previously been known. The number of recognized species has increased over time, and various attempts were made to divide them into subgroups based on leaf emergence patterns (vernation), but molecular phylogenetics has shown this characteristic to be unreliable. Seven molecularly defined clades are now recognized, corresponding to biogeographical distribution. New species continue to be discovered. Most species grow best in woodland, in acid or alkaline soil, though some are grassland or mountain species.
Did You Know?
- The name Galanthus comes from Ancient Greek γάλα (gála, 'milk') and ἄνθος (ánthos, 'flower').
- The inner tepals of Galanthus flowers have green markings that may be at the base, the apex, or both.
- Seeds of Galanthus have a small appendage (elaiosome) containing substances attractive to ants, which distribute the seeds.
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