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 have been found on the surface of "C. nivalis" cysts. The unknown bacteria were not detected in control samples that did not contain "C. nivalis" which strongly suggests that it must be associated with the algae. Another bacterium, "Mesorhizobium loti", was found as contamination in a "C. nivalis" culture, but further testing suggested that this bacteria may be synthesizing vitamin B12 for the algae. In cryoconite holes "C. nivalis" can be found among bacteria, virus-like particles, ciliates, and Chlorophyte species. Ice worms have also been found to live preferentially under "C. nivalis" in glaciers, possibly using the algae as a