Characterization of the Complete Chloroplast Genome of Gaultheria nummularioides D.Don 1825 (Ericaceae) [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]

Gaultheria nummularioides D.Don 1825 (Ericaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The complete chloroplast genome of G. nummularioides has been sequenced and assembled. The genome is 176,207 bp in total with one large single copy (LSC: 107,726 bp), one small single copy (SSC: 3,389 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb; each 32,546 bp). The chloroplast genome encoded a total of 110 unique genes; the GC content of these genes is 36.6%. The results based on phylogenetic analysis confirmed that G. nummularioides diverged later than G. praticola, and the sister-group relationship between G. nummularioides and the clade comprising G. fragrantissima Wall. 1820 and G. hookeri C.B.Clarke 1882 was strongly supported, revealing the phylogenetic position of G. nummularioides. This work provides additional information for studying the genetic diversity of G. nummularioides and its closely related taxa, as well as further exploration of chloroplast genomes in the Ericaceae family.