Comprehensive Genomic Dataset of Chinese Lizardtail Herb and Comparative Genomic Analysis Provide Insights Into Its Paleo‐Polyploidization Event

The Chinese lizardtail herb, <i>Saururus chinensis</i>, holds a prominent position in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we present a comprehensive genomic dataset for <i>S. chinensis</i>. Furthermore, comparative genomic analysis indicates that the extant genome of <i>S. chinensis</i> retains extensive traces of a paleo-tetraploidization event. These traces are observable at both the macroscopic level of chromosomes and the microscopic level within specific gene families, such as the <i>PEL</i> (pseudo-etiolation in light) gene family. Additionally, our findings further suggest that this paleo-tetraploidization event drives an expansion of the <i>PEL</i> gene family in the <i>S. chinensis</i> genome, potentially facilitating its neo- and sub-functionalization, and thereby contributing to the evolutionary adaptability of this species.