Morning Glories, Moonflowers, and Sweet Potato Blossoms

You’re probably wondering – why this combination of flowers in blog post? They’re all members of Convolvulaceae or bindweed family. The 1600+ members of this family are known for their funnel shaped symmetrical flowers. Each blossom has five sepals, five fused petals and five stamens also fused to the petals. Once you know what the main characteristic of this family is – it’s easy to identify members of the family.

Morning Glories are known for blooming early in the day – with their blossoms fading as the hours pass. I’ve photographed Morning Glories at both local botanical gardens and in the wild.

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas vardaman) is one of the members of the Convolvulaceae family best known for it’s edible tuberous roots. It also has beautiful flowers – and leaves that turn wonderful colors at the end of the season.

And finally, a moonflower (Ipomoea alba). Moonflowers are basicly night-blooming morning glories. The blossoms open during the early evening hours and stay open all night. As morning comes, the blossoms fade and die. The one moonflower I found was in it’s fading away stage. I’d love to find some in full bloom to photograph sometime.