Genome sequencing of the Kokia genus
Kokia (Malvaceae) is a small genus of Hawaiian endemics comprising four species that were once widespread components of Hawaiian forests yet now are either endangered (three species) or recently extinct (K. lanceolata Lewton) (Bates 1990; Morden and Yorkston 2017; Sherwood and Morden 2014). Few individuals remain of the two extant species, K. kauaiensis (Rock) and K. drynarioides (Seem.) Lewton, the latter being nearly extinct in the wild, while the third endangered species, K. cookei Degener, exists only as a maintained graft derived from a single individual (Sherwood and Morden 2014; US Fish and Wildlife Service 2012). Here, we provide high quality genome assemblies for all three extant Kokia species, including an improved genome for K. drynarioides.