Over the course of this blog I have discussed several wildflowers that belong to the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). These include ivy leafed morning glory (or Mexican morning glory), ornamental sweet potatoes, and Alamo vine. There are actually 60 different genera in this family, and over 1600 different species. Most are vines, but a few are trees or shrubs. The flowers are known for their long, trumpet-like shapes and for their habit of opening in the morning and closing up again as the day progresses. These flowers are also well known for their beauty while they are open. But in my eyes, at least, I also like the way they look when closed up. I just love the textures and wrinkles when they are folded closed, and the delicacy of the petals seems more obvious when folded. It’s a different kind of beauty from the bright, wide open flowers with their colored throats and long stamens, but it’s dazzling none the less.