A phoenix in the greenhouse: characterization and phylogenomics of complete chloroplast genomes sheds light on the putatively extinct-in-the-wild Solanum ensifolium (Solanaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genus Solanum is a diverse group of flowering plants with significant economic importance. Within this genus, the subgenus Leptostemonum, comprising spiny solanums, is particularly noteworthy due to its high species diversity and endemism. Solanum ensifolium, a member of this subgenus, is a critically endangered species endemic to Puerto Rico and known locally as erubia. The species survives in greenhouses and botanical gardens and is thought to be extinct in the wild, but with reintroduction efforts in progress. Despite its conservation status, genomic data for S. ensifolium remains scarce, limiting our understanding of its evolutionary history and potential adaptations.

Results

The S. ensifolium chloroplast genome (155,295 bp) exhibits a typical quadripartit

SUBMITTER: Graham MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11900257 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature