Chemical and genomic diversity of six Lonicera species occurring in Korea

Lonicera spp. (Caprifoliaceae) are important not only as a common medicinal herb in East Asia but also as one of the most problematic invasive species in North America. In the present study, we performed a systemic analysis of genomic and chemical diversity among six Lonicera species occurring in Korea, L. japonica, L. maackii, L. insularis, L. sachalinensis, L. praeflorens, and L. vesicaria, using chloroplast DNA whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing and LC–MS analyses. The phylogenetic and phylochemical relationships did not coincide with each other, but partial consistency could be found among them. InDel-based cDNA marker for authentication was developed based on the genome sequences. Flavonoids, iridoids, and organic acids were identified in the LC–MS analyses, and their inter-species distribution and localization were also revealed. [Display omitted] •Phylogeny between six Lonicera species was supposed based on chloroplast genome sequences.•Specialized metabolites were profiled and compared by LC–MS.•Partial consistency was found between genomic and chemical phylogeny.•An Indel-based DNA barcode was developed for authentication of plants.•Difference in chemotypes was suggested to be caused by ecological roles of iridoids.