Elucidating phylogenetic relationships within the genus <i>Curcuma</i> through the comprehensive analysis of the chloroplast genome of <i>Curcuma viridiflora</i> Roxb. 1810 (Zingiberaceae)

<i>Curcuma viridiflora</i> Roxb., a plant species of significant pharmaceutical interest, has been the subject of limited chloroplast genomic research. In this study, we present the sequencing and assembly of the <i>C. viridiflora</i> chloroplast genome, which is characterized by a circular chromosome spanning 162,212 base pairs and a GC content of 36.20%. The genome encodes 87 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 38 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted, incorporating eight related species, and based on the complete chloroplast genome and protein-coding DNA sequences of six related taxa within the genus. Outgroup species <i>Zingiber zerumbet</i> and <i>Zingiber officinale</i> were also included in the analysis. The results indicate a close relationship between <i>C. viridiflora</i> and <i>Curcuma phaeocaulis</i>, <i>Curcuma sichuanensis</i>, and <i>Curcuma yunnanensis</i>. This study provides the first chloroplast genome of <i>C. viridiflora</i>, thereby contributing a valuable genomic resource for future research on medicinal plants within the <i>Curcuma</i> genus.