The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence and Intra-Species Diversity of Rhus chinensis

Rhus chinensis is a shrub widely distributed in Asia. It has been used for traditional medicine and ecological restoration. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of two R. chinensis genotypes collected from China and Korea. The assembled chloroplast genome of Chinese R. chinensis is 149,094 bp long, consisting of a large single copy (97,246 bp), a small single copy (18,644 bp) and a pair of inverted repeats (16,602 bp). Gene annotation revealed 77 protein coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A phylogenomic analysis of the chloroplast genomes with 11 known complete chloroplast genomes clarified the relationship of R. chinensis with the other plant species in the Sapindales order. A comparative chloroplast genome analysis identified 170 SNPs and 85 InDels at intra-species level of R. chinensis between Chinese and Korean collections. Based on the sequence diversity between Korea and Chinese R. chinensis plants, we developed three DNA markers useful for genetic diversity and authentication system. The chloroplast genome information obtained in this study will contribute to enriching genetic resources and conservation of endemic Rhus species.