The complete chloroplast genome of the Chinese medicinal herb Senecio scandens

Abstract

Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. is a crucial source of Chinese traditional medicine with antibacterial properties. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of S. scandens. The assembled chloroplast genome was 150,729 bp in length, containing two inverted repeated (IR) regions of 24,455 bp each, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 83,984 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,835 bp. The genome encodes 133 genes consisting of 89 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of S. scandens is 37.4%, with the highest GC content of 43% in the IR region. A total of 38 simple sequence repeats are identified in the cp genome of S. scandens. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a sister relationship between S. scandens and Pericallis hybrida, indicating further revisions for the genus Senecio. This work provides basic genetic resources for investigating the evolutionary status and population genetics diversities for this medicinal species.

Keywords

• senecio scandens
• complete chloroplast genome
• phylogenetic analysis
• simple sequence repeats