Gagea

The genus contains geophytes that use bulbous parts to survive unfavorable conditions and quickly reproduce during favorable conditions. Gagea species have persistent tepals, and are generally smaller in size than other closely related genera in the Liliaceae family. The genus has varied leaf morphology. However, it is common for them to have basal leaves, some of which are cauline. == Reproduction ==

Gagea use two separate reproductive systems, insect pollination and asexual bulbil reproduction. Many Gagea are spring ephemerals, and need to complete their flowering cycles before tree cover re-emerges. By mid-spring to summer, these species will store themselves in bulbous parts underground in anticipation of the next flowering period. == Speciation/Adaptations ==

During their flowering periods, species show different environmental adaptations based on their habitats. G. sect. Platayspermum Boiss live in more arid regions, where it is common for insects to feed upon any exposed fruits or seeds from flowering plants. Therefore, the sect. uses large, tough sepals to ward off insects attempting to consume its fruit when it is in its developing phase. Previous studies have shown that these two processes can significantly contribute to the process of speciation, while retaining fertility within a population. Gagea, therefore, has the ability to contain unique species such as G. spathacea, being a nonaploid that causes the plant to be limited in post-zygotic reproduction. The species has spread across Central Europe, the Caucasus, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium with little to no genetic differences due to its use of clonal reproduction. However, through polyploidy and hybridization events, it still retains the ability to undergo evolution. ==Species==

, the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families recognizes over 200 species, including those previously assigned to Lloydia. ==References==