Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Bupleurum hamiltonii N. P. Balakr. (Apiaceae) and its phylogenetic implications.

Bupleurum hamiltonii has a thin, wood, grayish-yellow root and is reputed to possess medicinal value. This study employs the de novo method using high-throughput sequencing data to assemble the complete chloroplast genome for this species. The total B. hamiltonii genome is 155,320 bp in length, containing a large single-copy region of 85,280 bp, a small single-copy region of 17,468 bp, a pair of inverted repeat regions of 26,286 bp, and has a GC content of 37.8%. The genome encodes 113 unique genes, of which there are 79 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and four rRNA genes. In addition, 18 genes contained introns, petB, petD, and rpl16 are coded for by two exons, and rps12 is identified as a trans-splicing gene. Phylogenetic analysis results strongly suggest that B. hamiltonii is closely related to B. marginatum. This study provides valuable genetic information to facilitate reliable identification.