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
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.