Because of the great variety of problems which this genus presents to biologists, Oenothera belongs to the best-known genera of plants not used economically. This book summarizes today's knowledge of Oenothera's genetics and related fields like caryology and cytogenetics. It is further of great value for all those whose research topics are based on genetics, such as developmental and evolutionary biology.

1 Introduction.- 2 Some Things to Know Before Starting Experiments on Oenothera.- 2.1 A Plant Enters Science.- 2.2 A Short History of Research on Oenothera.- 2.3 Who is Who in Oenothera? or: What's in a Name.- 2.4 Pedigree of Genetically Used Stocks of Oenothera.- 2.5 Geographical Distribution of the Genus.- 3 Morphology.- 3.1 Vegetative Parts.- 3.2 Flowers.- 4 Genetics of Oenothera.- 4.1 Investigations Using the Methods of Classical Genetics in Oenothera.- 4.2 Karyology of Oenothera.- 4.3 Cytogenetics of Oenothera.- 4.4 Mutations and Mutation Theory.- 4.5 Genes Without Chromosomes: Extrachromosomal Inheritance.- 5 The Species Concept in Oenothera and Evolution of the Genus.- 5.1 Genetics and Taxonomy.- 5.2 Some Aspects of Taxonomy of the Genus Oenothera.- 5.3 Oenothera in Europe.- 6 Developmental Biology of Oenothera.- 6.1 General Aspects.- 6.2 The Sporophyte.- 6.3 Plastomes and Development.- 6.4 Developmental Biology of the Haploid Generation.- 6.5 Fertilization, Selective and Otherwise.- 6.6 The Developmental Model of Oenothera.- 7 Propagation System and Evolution in Oenothera.- Summary.- Postscript: The End is a Start.- References.- Author Index.- Species Index.