The complete chloroplast genome and phylogenetic analysis of Oxytropis kansuensis Bunge (Fabaceae).

Abstract

Oxytropis kansuensis Bunge holds significant medicinal and ecological values. Nevertheless, the absence of a complete chloroplast genome has impeded our ability to better understand and utilize this plant. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of O. kansuensis was sequenced and de novo assembled for the first time. The total genome length was determined to be 127,115 bp, with a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 34.29%. It was observed that the inverted repeat (IR) region was absent in this species. A total of 110 genes were annotated, including 76 PCGs, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. A phylogenetic tree was constructed from the complete chloroplast genome sequences of 10 Oxytropis species and seven Astragalus species. The result indicated that Oxytropis and Astragalus clearly form distinct monophyletic lineages, respectively, and O. kansuensis is most closely related to the O. ochrocephala. This research not only enriches the genomic database but also establishes a firm foundation for future studies on O. kansuensis. Furthermore, it offers compelling scientific evidence to advance broader phylogenetic and evolutionary investigations of Oxytropis.