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 .