Galanthus (convolute). He merged "Nivalis" and "Plicati" into series "Galanthus", and divided "Latifolii" into two subseries, "Glaucaefolii" and "Viridifolii" . Early molecular phylogenetic studies confirmed the genus was monophyletic and suggested four clades, which were labelled as series, and showed that Davis' subseries were not monophyletic. An expanded study in 2013 demonstrated seven major clades corresponding to biogeographical distribution. This study used nuclear encoded nrITS (Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer), and plastid encoded "matK" (Maturase K), "trnL-F", "ndhF", and "psbK–psbI", and examined all species recognised at the time, and also two naturally occurring putative hybrids. The morphological characteristic of vernation that
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary including oil and gas extraction, anchoring on the reefs, and harvesting fish, corals and other invertebrates. With passage of the Marine Research and Sanctuaries Act in 1972, researchers began discussing the Flower Garden Banks as a candidate for designation as a National Marine Sanctuary. During the 1980s, recreational divers were also discovering the Flower Garden Banks. The Houston Underwater Club led a movement to have the banks officially designated as sanctuaries by submitting a formal letter of nomination in 1979. Due to a number of issues, eleven years passed before the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary was officially established.