Chloroplast characterizations and phylogenetic position of an endangered orchid, Vanda coerulea (Orchidaceae)

Vanda coerulea possess a high ornamental value and medical effect against glaucoma and cataract. The whole complete chloroplast (cp) genome of V. coerulea and the phylogenetic position based on the cp sequences remain unclear. Herein, we report the complete chloroplast genome of V. coerulea. The chloroplast genome was 149,376 bp in length, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,100 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 11,702 bp, and two inverted repeat (IRs) regions of 25,787 bp. A total of 129 genes were characterized, including 74 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content was 36.6%, and GC percentages range from 27.9% to 43.2% throughout LSC, IRs, and SSC regions. Phylogenetic analysis based on 20 chloroplast genomes of Orchidaceae indicated that V. coerulea is closely related to V. brunnea. Our study provides a valuable resource for the identification and distinction of Vanda genus, and will lay a foundation for further research and conservation measures of V. coerulea.