The Rhus chinensis Genome Provides Insights Into Tannin, Flavonoid Biosynthesis, and Glandular Trichome Development.

ABSTRACT: The "salt tree", Rhus chinensis, holds significant economic and medicinal value due to its ability to produce Galla chinensis (Chinese gall/gallnut), a plant-derived medicinal material used in both traditional Chinese and modern medicine that is rich in tannins and flavonoids. It is also renowned for its remarkable stress tolerance. However, the genetic basis underlying its tannin and flavonoid biosynthesis and stress adaptation remains largely unexplored. Here, we assembled a chromosome-level genome of R. chinensis with a size of 357.62 Mb. A significant expansion of defence-related genes, particularly those involved in chitin catabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis, explains the tree's extensive environmental adaptability. We identified key genes involved in tannin biosynthesis and hydroly

SUBMITTER: Lu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12946449 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature