I have at least 3 differing forms of Galanthus in my garden. Galanthus nivalus and Galanthus n. f. pleniflorus, and a larger one which appears to have characteristics of both Galanthus elwesii and G. plicatus. Growing in fairly poor soil, the plant is about 22cm tall , the leaves are grayish green, almost, but not quite glaucus) and the unfolding leaves have a sharp crease near the margins, reflecting the applacate vernation. The inner tepals have green marks near the tip as well as near the base of the tepals.The flowers, larger than the G.nivalus, are 4cm for the white outer tepals and 1.4cm for the mostly-green inner tube. It has been in flower since about mid January, while my Galanthus nivalus are just(Feb 10) opening up now. I live in Chemainus on a 5% ne facing slope,at 20m altittude about 500m from the water. I can forward pictures if you like. Question: is this G.elwesii, G.plicatus or a hybrid of both. Thanks for your help on this. Jim (J.W.) van Barneveld
Not that I could identify them myself, but there are so many cultivated varieties of Galanthus that you would definitely need a photograph for a positive identification.
Jim, I haven't taken the trouble of comparing your shots with the wide variety on this site, but this is where you'll find the widest assortment of Galanthus images.
Thanks Pieter, I'll try and work through the Gallery. Too bad there are no measurements with the pictures, that would give some measurable parameters to narrow down the forms. If I do get a credible conclusion I will post it , so others can compare their findings. Cheers Jim
So, here it goes! I am far from confident, but hopefully someone will set me straight. In view of its size and of the fact that it has 2 distinct green marks on the inner tepals, I conclude that the bigger one must be Galanthus elwesii. I was pretty determined to find the vernation plicate ( folded margins) but on closer inspection it could certainly been supervolute (convolute). Of the examples in the Galanthus gallery it seems that var. elwesii or CV Ransoms Dwarf bear some resemblance (having 2 green marks) but I am not sure if my samples are acceptable variations on these cultivars or represent some form of hybridization. If you know of a diagnostic key that would enable definite identification, please let me know! I stick with the initial identification of the smaller specimen. Thanks for everyone's input! Jim
Have you seen this book? "Snowdrops. A Monograph of Cultivated Galanthus" It may help. There again it might leave you even more confused.!!! http://www.summerfieldbooks.com/ShowDetails.asp?id=1216
Eureka! I found the most closely related description and images at: http://www.bioimages.org.uk/html/r42284.htm Galanthus elwesii var. elwesii Hook.f. (Greater Snowdrop) it is! Thanks to all who helped me on the way! Jim
