The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Camellia zhaiana (Theaceae), a critically endangered species from China

Camellia zhaiana S.X. Yang (Theaceae) is a recently described species reported from Guangxi, China. It was proposed as a critically endangered species according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. In this study, we report and characterize the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. zhaiana using Illumina pair-end sequencing data. This is the first report of a cp genome of a species classified in Camellia section. Longipedicellata. The cp genome of C. zhaiana is 156,627 bp in length and includes a large single-copy region (LSC, 86,196 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,281 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs, 26,075 bp). The genome contains 135 genes, including 40 tRNA, eight rRNA, and 87 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed a strongly supported sister relationship between C. zhaiana and C. longipedicellata, which is a species classified in sect. Longipedicellata. These data support the previous systematic findings of C. zhaiana and advance the bioinformatics of the genus Camellia.

Automated summary

A recently described species, Camellia zhaiana S.X. Yang, from Guangxi, China, was proposed as critically endangered and its complete chloroplast genome was characterized in this study. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed a close relationship between C. zhaiana and C. longipedicellata. These findings support previous systematic research on C. zhaiana and advance bioinformatics of the genus Camellia.