The Chloroplast Genomes Comparative Analysis of Taihangia Rupestris and Taihangia Rupestris Var. Ciliate, Two Endangered and Endemic Cliff Plants in Taihang Mountain of China
Abstract The Taihangia is a native endangered cliff species that grows in the Taihang Mountains in China. The cp genomes with a whole length of 155,558 bp and 155,479 bp for Taihangia rupestris and Taihangia rupestris var. rupestris. They have 131 genes in total, covering 79 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA, and 4 rRNA. Analyses of codon usage, RNA-editing sites, repeat sequences, and comparison of cp genomes showed a high degree of conservation. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Taihangia are closed to the Geum. Taihangia genus was inferred to have originated at 0.2057 Mya, and Geum rupestre was inferred to have originated at 1.4431 Mya. Overall, the gene contents, gene arrangements, the types, and frequency of codon usage, repeat sequences, and SSRs are similar and highly conserved in the species of T. rupestris and T. rupestris var. ciliate. It is found that based on bioprospecting, T. rupestris and T. rupestris var. rupestris are potential medicinal resources. This study provides a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable use of endangered medicinal resources..