Galanthus confused with the other two genera, "Leucojum" and "Acis" (both called snowflakes). "Leucojum" species are much larger and flower in spring (or early summer, depending on the species), with all six tepals in the flower being the same size, though some "poculiform" (goblet- or cup-shaped) "Galanthus" species can have inner segments similar in shape and length to the outer ones. Galantheae are likely to have arisen in the Caucusus. "Galanthus" has about 20 species, but new species continue to be described. "G. trojanus" was identified in Turkey in 2001. "G. panjutinii" (Panjutin's snowdrop) was discovered in 2012 in five locations
Chlamydomonas nivalis cell in combination with inorganic material could enhance the darkening over the snow and reduce the surface area of white snow. Due to the absorption of solar energy by the alga, albedo would be reduced and the darker areas on the snow where the blooms form would melt more rapidly. As a result, populations of "C. nivalis" would increase, creating a feedback loop that amplifies melting and reduces sunlight absorbance which contributes to glacier retreat and lowering albedo, as shown experimentally. This is concerning to environmentalists and climate scientists. "C. nivalis" can be used as a model species for studying