An Interactive Key to the GenusGalanthus L.

• Genus containing 19 species, 22 principle taxa

• Numerous Additional Hybrids and Cultivars

• Listed under Appendix II of CITES

• Requirement for Identification Tools for use at Point of Entry

• Developed assuming limited Background Knowledge and Technical Capabilities of User

Key Identification Elements

1) Leaf Vernation

(Davis, 1999)

• Three Distinct Forms• Maintained Throughout Growth• Little Variation within Species

Applanate Explicative SupervoluteApplanate Explicative Supervolute

Key Identification Elements

2) Inner Perianth Segments

Segment Marking:• Number• Size• Shape• Position

Segment Margin:• Presence /Absence of an Apical Notch

(Davis, 1999)

Key Identification Elements

3) Leaf Surface Colour

• High Levels of Variation• Principle Range of Dark Green to Glaucous• Variation between Adaxial and Abaxial Surface in some species

DemonstrationAn Unknown Specimen

Bulb dimensions: 2.2 by 2.1cm

Sheath dimensions: 3.4 by 0.5cm

Leaves:Supervolute VernationDimensions at Flowering: 11 by 1.4cmSurfaces Concolorous; Medium Green in ColourSmooth Surface, with a Matt Finish

Inflorescence:Outer perianth Segment dimensions: 2.1 by 1.4cmInner Perianth Segments with both Apical and Basal Markings Inner Perianth Segments with an Apical Notch (Emarginate)Anthers with an Apiculum

Leaf Air Spaces

G. woronowiiG. ikariae subsp. ikariae(Davis & Barnett, 1996)

• G. woronowii, G. ikariae and G. platyphyllus all show supervolute vernation, broad green leaves and a single apical inner perianth marking• Clear differences evident in Leaf Air Spaces, although limited data set available• The Air Spaces of G. ikariae are “big enough that a dressmakers pin may be pushed inside without rupturing the delicate tissue of the leaf” (Bishop et al., 2001)

• Leaf Air Space data is not available for all species• All entities besides G. ikariae, G. krasnovii, G. platyphyllus and G. woronowii scored as “Not Scoped” for the Leaf Air Space feature• Feature remains hidden until only these species remain and the application of this characteristic is required• Notes included in species description to aid determination

Species Descriptions

G. ikariae

G. elwesii

Glossary

References• Bishop, M., Davis & A., Grimshaw, J. (2001) Snowdrops: A Monograph of Cultivated Galanthus The Griffin Press• Davis, A.P. (1999) The Genus Galanthus Timber Press, Inc.• Davis, A.P. & Barnett, J.R. (1997) The Leaf Anatomy of the genus Galanthus L. (Amaryllidaceae J. St.-Hil. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 123: 333-352

AcknowledgmentsMany thanks to P. Wilkin and A. Haigh for their Invaluable Assistance