Chromosomal reference genome of <i>Merremia boisiana</i>: unveiling the secrets of the tropical rainforest's killer plant

<i>Merremia boisiana</i>, a captivating species endemic to tropical rainforest habitats, belongs to the esteemed Convolvulaceae family. Renowned for its dazzling golden flowers and exceptional growth rate. This plant rapidly expands, covering other vegetation, suppressing the growth of native species, and altering light availability and nutrient distribution within the forest, thereby impacting ecological balance. Here, we report the first high-quality <i>M. boisiana</i> genome assembly, comprising 510 Mb with a contig N50 of 21 Mb and an assembly completeness of 98.7%. This assembly includes the identification of 15 chromosomes and the annotation of 37,389 protein-coding genes, with a high annotation rate of 99.2%. By integrating genomic data from other Convolvulaceae species, we analyzed the karyotype evolution of <i>M. boisiana</i> and uncovered the fundamental ploidy level of the Convolvulaceae family. Based on existing research, we identified 110 highly expressed genes involved in the biosynthesis of SA, IAA, JA, and ABA, all of which play essential roles in plant growth. The <i>EPS1</i> transcription factor, involved in SA synthesis, along with <i>YUC11</i> and <i>TIR2</i>, which participate in auxin biosynthesis, and <i>OPR2</i>, associated with ABA biosynthesis, collectively contribute to the enhanced root growth of <i>M. boisiana</i> through mechanisms such as gene expansion, gene dosage, and root-specific expression. This study not only sheds light on the genetic complexity of <i>M. boisiana</i> but also provides a promising direction for improving stress resistance in sweet potatoes and advancing ecological research. Our findings promote the sustainable utilization of this species while broadening our understanding of tropical plant genomics.