The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Camellia rostrata S. X. Yang & S. F. Chai (Theaceae), a critically endangered yellow camellia from southwest China

Camellia rostrata S. X. Yang & S. F. Chai is a recently described yellow camellia species from Guangxi, China. It is a critically endangered species according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Here, we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome based on next-generation sequencing technology. The complete cp genome of C. rostrata is 156,547 bp in length and consists of a large single-copy (LSC, 86,199 bp) region, a small single-copy (SSC, 18,204 bp) region, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, 26,072 bp). The genome contains 135 genes including 40 tRNA, eight rRNA, and 87 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis resolved C. rostrata in a clade containing C. huana and C. impressinervis, both of which are classified to Camellia sect. Archecamellia. Our findings support the placement of C. rostrata in C. sect. Archecamellia as proposed by a previous study. The cp genome of C. rostrata provides valuable bioinformatic resources for the protection and utilization of this yellow camellia species.

Automated summary

Camellia rostrata is a recently described yellow camellia species from Guangxi, China, classified as critically endangered. The complete chloroplast genome of C. rostrata was reported in this study, providing valuable bioinformatic resources for the protection and utilization of this species. The phylogenetic analysis supports the placement of C. rostrata in Camellia sect. Archecamellia as proposed by a previous study.