Acer yangbiense is a newly described critically endangered endemic maple tree confined to Yangbi County in Yunnan Province in Southwest China. It was included in a programme for rescuing the most threatened species in China, focusing on “plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP)”. We generated 64, 94, and 110 Gb of raw DNA sequences and obtained a chromosome-level genome assembly of A. yangbiense through a combination of Pacific Biosciences Single-molecule Real-time, Illumina HiSeq X, and Hi-C mapping, respectively. The final genome assembly is ∼666 Mb, with 13 chromosomes covering ∼97% of the genome and scaffold N50 sizes of 45 Mb. Further, BUSCO analysis recovered 95.5% complete BUSCO genes. The total number of repetitive elements account for 68.0% of the A. yangbiense genome. Genome annotation generated 28,320 protein-coding genes, assisted by a combination of prediction and transcriptome sequencing. In addition, a nearly 1:1 orthology ratio of dot plots of longer syntenic blocks revealed a similar evolutionary history between A. yangbiense and grape, indicating that the genome has not undergone a whole-genome duplication event after the core eudicot common hexaploidization. Here, we report a high-quality de novo genome assembly of A. yangbiense, the first genome for the genus Acer and the family Aceraceae. This will provide fundamental conservation genomics resources, as well as representing a new high-quality reference genome for the economically important Acer lineage and the wider order of Sapindales.

The present study is intended to compare and document the therapeutic flora, their remedial use, and the traditional knowledge used frequently by the residents of the Cholistan desert and Pothwar (Potohar) Plateau of Punjab, Pakistan. The old endemic remedies of these areas are diminishing due to lack of qualitative and quantitative research. The data was generated by unstructured-interviews, informal meetings, open-ended conversations and group discussions with local people and traditional health healers of the study area. Reported literature was also utilized. The study recorded a list of various medicinal plants used as traditional medicines by local people. Total 86 numbers of plant species belonging to 38 families and 67 plant species belonging to 29 families have been reported in the Pothwar and Cholistan respectively. Only 10.5% of similar plant species were present in the studied areas. The investigation revealed that the local people of study areas inherit a rich traditional knowledge but there is great danger of losing this wealth of knowledge in the near future. Documentation of the knowledge exclusively from desert area of Cholistan, Pakistan is unique information in its nature. The study presents the undocumented knowledge worth recognition that will not only help in conservation of medicinal plant species but will highlight the pharmacological capacity for improved human healthcare regarding many common ailments.

Ferula sinkiangensis, commonly known as "Chinese Awei" or "Chinese Ferula", has attracted considerable attention due to its diverse ethnobotanical uses and phytochemical complexity. However, lacking an updated and comprehensive review addressing ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and threats facing this critically endangered medicinal plant of Xinjiang, China. This comprehensive review aims to provide an updated, meticulous study of F. sinkiangensis, encompassing its traditional applications, phytoconstituents, pharmacological properties, and insights into its socio-ecological significance and conservation strategies. A broad literature review was undertaken using online search engines, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer Link, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, and Web of Science, to compile pertinent information. Ferula sinkiangensis, boasts a rich history of traditional medicinal use, particularly in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, anthelmintic, diarrhea, malaria, respiratory tract infections, and wound healing. Presently, approximately 264 natural compounds have been identified from F. sinkiangensis, including sesquiterpene coumarins, lignans, sulfanes, sterols, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides. F. sinkiangensis exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antiulcer, anti-sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ischemic effects. Among these, key compounds like Kellerin and Umbelliprenin have gained attention for their potent pharmacological activities. Kellerin exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and the mechanistic action of Kellerin emphasizes its potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions. This review comprehensively examines F. sinkiangensis, highlighting its traditional applications, extensive phytochemical composition, and considerable pharmacological potential. Furthermore, it underscores the pressing need to implement conservation measures to protect this endangered medicinal resource from the threats of overharvesting and habitat destruction.

Kazakhstan harbors the richest flora in Central Asia. However, its current plant diversity faces significant challenges. We present an updated checklist of vascular plants for Kazakhstan, comprising 6035 taxa from 134 families and 1016 genera. This includes 485 endemic taxa (8.0% of the flora) from 38 families and 147 genera, and 359 threatened taxa (6.0%) from 66 families and 203 genera. Among them, the genera with the most endangered species are Tulipa, Astragalus, and Allium. Based on the latest available data, we describe and analyze the diversity and distribution of vascular plants at a phytogeographic regional scale of 29 regions and 7 subregions. Our analyses specifically quantify patterns of species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and the spatial distribution of both threatened and endemic species. Furthermore, floristic similarity analysis revealed clear patterns of species turnover: high similarity between adjacent mountain regions and low similarity between mountains and arid western regions. Analysis revealed five key biodiversity hotspots, including the Karatau Mountains and Western Tien Shan, which host high concentrations of threatened species yet have limited protected area coverage. Our findings underscore the need to align national and international conservation assessments, expand protected area networks, and enhance cross-border collaboration. These results provide important guidance for the conservation and sustainable management of plant diversity in Kazakhstan.

Craigia yunnanensis is an Endangered tree species, enlisted in the national plant species with extremely small population (PSESP) of China for urgent protection. The chloroplast genome is characterized using Illumina pair-end sequencing data. The whole chloroplast genome is 163,166 bp in length and consists of a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,573 bp each, which are separated by the large single copy (LSC: 91,580 bp) region and small single copy (SSC: 20,440 bp) regions. The chloroplast genome encodes 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 tRNA, and 4 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the whole chloroplast genome is 36.4%. The phylogenetic tree revealed a close relationship between C. yunnanensis and Tilia species of Malvaceae family.