Galanthus this study corresponded to clade nivalis, subseries "Glaucaefolii" with clade Elwesii and subseries "Viridifolii" with clades Woronowii and Alpinus. However, the model did not provide complete resolution. "sensu" Ronsted et al. 2013 "Galanthus" is derived from the Greek γάλα ("gala"), meaning "milk" and ἄνθος ("anthos") meaning "flower", alluding to the colour of the flowers. The epithet "nivalis" is derived from the Latin, meaning "of the snow". The word "Snowdrop" may be derived from the German "Schneetropfen" (Snow-drop), the tear drop shaped pearl earrings popular in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Other, earlier, common names include Candlemas bells, Fair maids of
Galanthus nivalis numerous named cultivars of "G. nivalis", single, semi-double, double and "poculiform" (meaning goblet or cup-shaped, this refers to flowers with inner segments that are almost the same shape and length as the outer ones). Apart from these traits they differ particularly in the size and markings of the flower and the period of flowering; other characteristics are less obvious to the untrained eye and are mainly of interest to "galanthophiles". In the UK and Ireland, many gardens open specially in February for visitors to admire the flowers. These displays may attract large numbers of sightseers. Some feature extensive displays of