Galanthus reginae-olgae three smaller inner tepals, white with variable green markings near the tips. The outer tepals are about 15–35 cm long, the inner ones 9–12 mm long. Populations of "Galanthus reginae-olgae" that flower at different times, with or without the leaves being fully developed, have been described as separate species or subspecies. Those described as "G. reginae-olgae" subsp. "reginae-olgae" flower in the autumn, either before the leaves develop or with the leaves. Those described as "G. reginae-olgae" subsp. "vernalis" flower in late winter or early spring, with the leaves. "Galanthus reginae-olgae" was first described in 1876 by Theodoros G. Orphanides. The
Chlamydomonas nivalis temperatures rise above 30 °C. It is a true snow alga because it performs better in low temperatures than warm temperatures. Due to "C. nivalis"’ ability to perform photosynthesis well from cold to moderate temperatures, this species is considered a cryotolerant mesophile rather than a cryophile. This organism is also very resilient as they can also survive in warm soil for weeks. They can also tolerate dryness and room temperature for as long as 6 months. Fungi, worms, bacteria, and viruses have been found to associate with or live in the same environment as "C. nivalis". Encapsulated rod-shaped gram-negative bacteria