The chloroplast genomes comparative analysis of Taihangia rupestris var. rupestris and Taihangia rupestris var. ciliata, two endangered and endemic cliff plants in Taihang Mountain of China

Abstract

Taihangia is a native endangered cliff species that grows in the Taihang Mountains in China. The chloroplast genomes of Taihangia rupestris var. rupestris and Taihangia rupestris var. ciliata are 155,558 bp and 155,479 bp in length. They have a total of 131 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. Analysis of codon usage, RNA-editing sites, repeat sequences, and comparison of cp genomes showed a highly conserved chloroplast genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the genus Taihangia is close to the genus Geum. We speculate that the genus Taihangia originated from 1.4166 Ma and Geum rupestre originated from 1.8766 Ma. Overall, the gene contents, gene arrangements, the types, and frequency of codon usage, repeat sequences, and SSRs are similar and highly conserved in the taxa T. rupestris var. rupestris and T. rupestris var. ciliata. It is found that T. rupestris var. rupestris and T. rupestris var. ciliata are potential medicinal resources based on bioprospecting. This study provides a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable use of endangered medicinal resources.