Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Forsythia saxatilis (Oleaceae), a vulnerable calcicolus species endemic to Korea

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Forsythia saxatilis Nakai (Oleaceae), one of endemic and vulnerable species of Korea, was determined. The genome size was found to be 156,354 bp in length, and to contain a pair of 25,711 bp inverted repeat, which were separated by one small single copy (SSC; 17,838 bp) and one large single copy (LSC; 87,094 bp). The cp genome contained 131 genes, including 88 coding genes, 6 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome was 37.8%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the position of F. saxatilis as being sister to the rare Korean monotypic endemic genus Abeliophyllum distichum.