Integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals the molecular basis of leaf variegation in Cymbidium ensifolium

These results demonstrate that leaf variegation in <i>C. ensifolium</i> is regulated by coordinated transcriptional and metabolic networks, particularly involving flavonoid and carotenoid-related pathways. The identified structural genes, transcription factors, and co-expression modules provide novel insights into the genetic basis of leaf color variation and offer valuable candidate targets for the ornamental improvement of Jianlan.