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
Micranthes nivalis Micranthes nivalis Micranthes nivalis is a plant species in the saxifrage family. It is commonly called snow saxifrage or (ambiguously) "alpine saxifrage". Found on irrigated rocks or open vegetation in shaded sites, often on mountain ledges and crags with base rich substratum. This species is not very tolerant of competition and so is found in damp crevasses where it survives in small pockets. "M. nivalis" is a perennial species which has been found to set seed in Scotland but not in Cumbria where the populations are small and threatened. This species is also found in Norway, Ireland, Svalbard, northern Germany,