Chloroplast genome sequencing and analysis of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Verbenaceae)

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis is a member of Verbenaceae and exhibits precious value in ecosystem conservation and potential medicinal abilities. Therefore, genomic data would provide valuable information for elucidating the phylogeny of S. jamaicensis. In this study, complete chloroplast genome of S. jamaicensis was sequenced and characterised using next-generation sequencing method. The results showed that the complete chloroplast genome of S. jamaicensis was 153,648 bp in length and composed of 38.2% GC. This genome contained four regions including a large single copy (LSC), a small single copy (SSC), and two inverted repeat (IR) regions. Also, the genome possessed 86 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. Various hypervariable regions, such as rbcL-accD, rps12-clpP, ycf1, and ycf2, were found between S. jamaicensis and related species, which are potentially used for mining the plant barcodes. The phylogenetic tree showed the genetic relationship between S. jamaicensis and other Verbenaceae species, in which S. jamaicensis and D. erecta showed a close relationship within Duranteae tribe.