Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Euryodendron excelsum (Pentaphylacaceae), a critically endangered species endemic to China

Euryodendron excelsum is an evergreen tall tree endemic to China. Being very rare in China, it is currently listed as a critically endangered species. Here we report the characterization of its complete chloroplast genome sequence assembled from short reads generated by Illumina sequencing. The total chloroplast genome size was 157,702 bp, including inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,072 bp each, separated by a large single copy and a small single copy of 87,144 and 18,414 bp, respectively. A total of 145 genes, including 48 tRNA, 8 rRNA and 89 protein-coding genes, were identified. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood algorithm showed that E. excelsum is sister to Adinandra millettii in the family Pentaphylacaceae. The complete chloroplast genome of E. excelsum will provide essential genomic information for protection of the critically endangered species.