Elwes’s snowdrop

Elwes’s snowdrop, so far, has been found in various places on Mount Paggaio. It was recorded in the wider area of the Eikosifoinissa Monastery, near the Ascension Monastery and in the wider area of the forest station of Paggaio. However, as it is a species common in the region of Northern Greece, it is expected to be found in the deciduous forests of the mountain, which one should better visit in the early months of spring to see it in bloom.

Relatively common species, with a significant number of individuals. A small geophyte,that is a plant whose aboveground part dies during harsh season and its survival organs are in the form of bulbs in the soil, thus being protected from cold and frost. It has lanceolate leaves, glaucous green, erect and somewhat twisted. It has a unique flower, which is white, bending downwards, towards the ground, thus deriving the name “the earring” in some parts of Greece. The petals of the flower are characterized by a wide dark green spot at their base and a narrow spot at their edge in the shape of reverse “V”. The name Galanthus comes from the Greek words gala (milk) and anthos (flower), which is probably related to the color of the flower. Elwes’s snowdrop prefers open spaces, but can also grow under trees. It blooms in early spring (February-April), when the trees and shrubs are still without leaves, in sunny forested areas, where the snow melts earlier. It is a toxic plant.

Due to its relatively wide distribution on Mount Paggaio, threats and pressures that could lead to a significant population decline were not observed.

Data Deficient.

The species is included in the Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein. According to the IUCN, it belongs to the category Data Deficient (DD), i.e. a species that does not have sufficient data to assess its risk of extinction. It is also protected by the CITES International Convention (Annex II).