Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of <i>Firmiana hainanensis</i> (Malvaceae), an endemic and vulnerable tree species of China

<i>Firmiana hainanensis</i> Kosterm. is a commercially valuable endemic tree species in China and has long been considered a globally vulnerable species. We assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast genome of this species by using Illumina pair-end sequencing data. The total chloroplast genome size was 161,559 bp, including two inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,612 bp, separated by a large single copy (LSC) and a small single copy (SSC) regions of 90,057 and 20,277 bp, respectively. A total of 130 genes were identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 <i>tRNA</i>, and eight <i>rRNA</i> genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that <i>F. hainanensis</i> was the most basal species in the genus <i>Firmiana</i>. The chloroplast genome of this species will provide a theoretical basis to understand the taxa’s evolution further and is expected to contribute to its conservation efforts.