X, am enjoying this thread very much as you unravel so many charms of such a majestic vine.
I have always been fascinated by bearded flowers. Evidently, in addition to breeding exotic morning glories, and some reminiscent of dianthus, the Japanese also bred bearded dianthus -
http://sherwoodgreenhouses.squ... .
Can't find an old Japanese woodcut right now, so above link will have to do.
