Abstract
The Chinese lizardtail herb, Saururus chinensis, holds a prominent position in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we present a comprehensive genomic dataset for S. chinensis. Furthermore, comparative genomic analysis indicates that the extant genome of S. chinensis retains extensive traces of a paleo-tetraploidization event. These traces are observable at both the macroscopic level of chromosomes and the microscopic level within specific gene families, such as the PEL (pseudo-etiolation in light) gene family. Additionally, our findings further suggest that this paleo-tetraploidization event drives an expansion of the PEL gene family in the S. chinensis genome, potentially facilitating its neo- and sub-functionalization, and thereby contributing to the evolutionary adaptability of this species.