Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of <i>Liparis gigantea</i> (Orchidaceae)

<i>Liparis gigantea</i> is a Chinese traditional medicinal herb in the Orchidaceae family. It is a rare and special <i>Liparis</i> species that exhibits relatively large flowers. To illuminate its phylogenetic status and augment genomic resources, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of <i>L. gigantea</i> was first sequenced and assembled using whole genome next-generation sequencing in this study. The cp genome size is 158,462 bp with a total GC content of 36.9%. Characterized by a quadripartite structure, the genome consists of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,032 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,322 bp, which is separated by a pair of 27,054 bp inverted repeat regions (IRs). A total of 133 genes were annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis strongly supported <i>L. gigantea</i> as the sister to two closely related terrestrial species, <i>Liparis nervosa</i> and <i>L. vivipara</i>. The results of this study provide genomic information for future research and application of this medicinal herb.