The complete chloroplast genome and phylogenetic analysis of Stewartia sichuanensis (Theaceae), a Chinese endemic tree with narrow distribution

Stewartia sichuanensis is a rare plant species of Theaceae and is endemic to China. Its distribution area is highly restricted, and genomic information is extremely limited. The present study reports the first complete chloroplast of S. sichuanensis. The chloroplast genome length was 158,903 bp, with a GC content of 37.3%. The chloroplast genome was comprised of an 87,736 bp long large single copy (LSC), an 18,435 bp long small single copy (SSC), and two copies of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,366 bp. It contained 129 genes, including 85 encoding, 36 transfer RNA, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that S. sichuanensis was closely related to S. laotica and S. pteropetiolata.

Automated summary

This study reports the first complete chloroplast genome of the rare plant species S. sichuanensis from the Theaceae family, which is endemic to China and has a highly restricted distribution. The chloroplast genome is 158,903 bp long with a GC content of 37.3%, and it contains 129 genes, including encoding, transfer RNA, and ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that S. sichuanensis is closely related to S. laotica and S. pteropetiolata.