Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)

While on the wildflower hour walk, we found snowdrops in flower near the south-west cycle path exiting UEA, they grew in several small patches amongst the trees and low ground vegetation, as can be seen in the photos above, the snowdrop bears white flowers with 4 large cruciform petals with a small calyx, snowdrops are a common flower that are often some of the first heralds of spring, partially due to their unique morphological adaptations that allow them to sprout through hard frozen soil using their stiffer shoots, this is the same reason the flower of a snowdrop hangs below the highest point of the leaves, which is specially adapted to allow the snowdrop to emerge in the cold conditions of late winter and early spring. in folklore snowdrops are commonly linked to theme’s of rebirth and renewal, symbolising a new beginning after the hard conditions of winter, in contrast snowdrops have also been associated with death and graveyards, this likely stems from the fact they are commonly found around graveyards and church grounds, its likely that this leads back to their introduction into the UK in the 16th century with Norman monks and clergymen bringing them over from Normandy. It is important to note that snowdrops are not edible and actually contain compounds that can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested, however on the contrary, parts of the snowdrop can be used in making a prescription drug called galantamine, that helps to improve brain function of those living with dementia.