# The complete chloroplast genome of Malva cathayensis M.G.Gilbert, Y.Tang & Dorr 2007 and its phylogenetic analysis

## TL;DR

This study reports the first complete chloroplast genome of Malva cathayensis, offering insights into its genetic structure and evolutionary relationships within the Malva genus.

## Contribution

The first complete chloroplast genome of Malva cathayensis is sequenced and analyzed, revealing its phylogenetic placement within the genus.

## Key findings

- The chloroplast genome is 158,793 bp long with a quadripartite structure and 129 genes.
- Phylogenetic analysis grouped M. cathayensis with M. crispa, M. verticillata, and M. parviflora.
- The study provides molecular data to support evolutionary and comparative genomic research in Malva.

## Abstract

Malva cathayensis, a wild medicinal and edible Malvaceae species, lacked genomic data until now. In this study, we presented its first complete chloroplast genome (158,793 bp), featuring a quadripartite structure: 87,215 bp LSC, 20,766 bp SSC, and two 25,406 bp IRs. The genome contains 129 genes (85 protein-coding, 36 tRNA, 8 rRNA) with 37.1% GC content. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two Malva clades, with M. cathayensis grouping alongside M. crispa, M. verticillata, and M. parviflora. This study provides essential molecular data for Malva's evolutionary relationships and diversification, enabling future comparative genomic research in this genus.