The $\lambda$ Bootis stars

Abstract

In this article the current knowledge of the group of lambda Bootis stars is reviewed. These metal poor objects are quite outstanding compared to other chemically peculiar stars of the upper main sequence. Up to now no theory has been developed which is able to explain the majority of observational results. This article is mainly focused on the work which needs to be done in the future in order to clarify the lambda Bootis phenomenon.