5 | Conclusions

This study utilized the Illumina Hiseq platform to obtain the complete chloroplast genomes of six medicinal species of the genusPolygonatum . The chloroplast genomes were relatively conserved in terms of length, gene content, and genomic structure. A certain pattern was observed in genome length among species. Polygonatum spp. with verticillate leaves were larger than those with alternating leaves. The genes encoded by P. kingianum appeared to be lost compared to those of the other species. Twenty-one highly variable loci were screened as markers for the candidate identification ofPolygonatum species. The phylogeny of the species in the genus was studied based on chloroplast genome sequences and the results supported the classification of Polygonatum into three groups:sect. Verticillata , sect. Polygonatum , and sect. Sibirica . This study provides a basis for the molecular identification, phylogenetic evolution, and genetic diversity of Polygonatum .