Synthesizes existing data and provides an outline for future investigations of the chemistry, ecology, and evolution of this taxon, while examining its key themes of Piper as a model genus for ecological and evolutionary studies, the important ecological roles of Piper species in lowland wet forests, and the evolution of distinctive Piper attributes.
From the reviews: "This slim volume approaches comparative biology from a perspective rarely seen in book-length treatments. ! The book's premise is that species-rich lineages such as Piper are convenient models for studying questions of general interest using comparative methods. ! The book is generally well edited ! . The book is also attractively produced. ! How well does the book do in attaining its objectives? Fairly well, given the gaps that exist in our knowledge of the genus." (Doyle McKey, Ecology, Vol. 86 (7), 2005)