The Complete Chloroplast Genome of Erythrina variegata L. (Papilionoideae, Fabaceae)

Erythrina variegata L. 1754, a thorny deciduous tree of Fabaceae, contains various chemical compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids and exhibits anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. However, genomic data of E. variegata are limited. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of E. variegata was sequenced and characterized using Illumina sequencing platform. The chloroplast genome of E. variegata was 152,351 bp in length and consisted of a large single copy (82,907 bp), a small single copy (26,309 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (16,826 bp). There were 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and four ribosomal RNA genes. Comparative analysis revealed high conservation of chloroplast genomes among Erythrina species regarding genome size, structure, and gene content. The phylogenetic study also indicated a close relationship between E. variagata and E. sanwicensis. This study provides initial plastome data for further genomic studies examining E. variegata and related species in Fabaceae.