The complete chloroplast genome of Rhododendron huadingense (Ericaceae)

Abstract

Rhododendron huadingense is an important horticultural plant that belongs to the Ericaceae family. In this study, the chloroplast genome sequence of R. huadingense is reported. The chloroplast genome of R. huadingense was 198,952 bp in length and had an angiosperm-typical quadripartite structure with a large single-copy (LSC) region of 108,557 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 53 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 45,171 bp. One hundred and thirteen unique genes including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and four ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes were identified in the chloroplast genome. Further phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between R. huadingense and R. molle. The complete chloroplast genome of R. huadingense provides valuable genetic information for the phylogeny, varieties breeding and sustainable utilization of this species.