Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Heliopsis helianthoides (Asteraceae) and its phylogenetic position, representing the first in the genus Heliopsis

Abstract

Heliopsis helianthoides is a perennial medicinal plant in the Asteraceae family, valued for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Despite its pharmacological significance, its chloroplast genome remains uncharacterized. Here, we report the first complete chloroplast genome of H. helianthoides, which is also the first for the genus Heliopsis. The genome is 151,140 bp in length with a typical quadripartite structure, containing 127 genes and a GC content of 37.6%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that H. helianthoides clusters with Acmella, Echinacea, and Zinnia within the subtribe Zinniinae (Heliantheae). This genome provides valuable resources for future evolutionary and taxonomic studies of Heliopsis.