Complete chloroplast genome of Physochlaina infundibularis Kuang (Hyoscyameae: Solanaceae): Comparative and phylogenetic analysis

Physochlaina G. Don, a genus within Hyoscyameae, Solanaceae, holds significant medicinal value. It comprises approximately 10 species, primarily distributed in China, with chloroplast genomes reported for two species. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of Physochlaina infundibularis was sequenced using the Illumina platform, revealing a size of 156,340 base pairs and containing 113 genes: 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA-coding genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA-coding genes. The genome exhibited a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 37.7%, consistent with other species in the genus, influencing codon preference toward A/U due to its lower GC content. Comparative analyses among P. infundibularis, Physochlaina orientalis, and Physochlaina physaloides highlighted high conservation within chloroplast coding regions relative to noncoding regions. Five genes showed notable nucleotide polymorphisms in protein-coding regions, suggesting potential as DNA barcodes. Phylogenetic investigations within Hyoscyameae and its sister groups resolved some taxonomic controversies. The newly sequenced chloroplast genome of P. infundibularis enriches our understanding of the genus and serves as a foundational resource for future phylogenetic research.