Abstract
Moringa oleifera is an underutilized perennial tree and is widely cultivated and studied due to its multi-purpose uses. Currently, not much information exists about the rbcL (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit) gene sequence in M. oleifera. The rbcL gene is a conserved chloroplast gene and hence can be used for phylogenetic studies of plants at higher and lower taxonomic levels. The data consists of twenty-two rbcL gene sequences, nucleotide, and amino acid compositions of M. oleifera collected from sixteen states across Nigeria. The data offers an understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of the species, which are crucial for both scientists and breeders working on the crop as well as for attempts to conserve the species.