Comparative Analysis of Chloroplast Genomes in Sansevieria Reveals Phylogenetic Relationships and High Variability Molecular Markers

The study analyzed chloroplast genomes of 10 Sansevieria trifasciata cultivars, revealing a conserved structure and encoding 113 functional genes. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed evolutionary relationships with Dracaena, suggesting taxonomic reclassification. The research identified dynamic inverted repeat boundary changes and developed a trnT-psbD marker from hypervariable regions to distinguish closely related species. The study found a strong AT-rich codon usage bias and abundant SSRs and dispersed repeats, with differences among three genome types. Maximum-likelihood trees confirmed a monophyletic clade, with Type 2 showing recent divergence and Type 3 genetic distinctiveness. These findings provide molecular tools for germplasm identification and advance understanding of chloroplast genome evolution and Asparagaceae phylogenetics.