De Novo Transcriptome Assembly Database for Root and Leaf Tissues of the Endangered Plant Cathaya argyrophylla
Cathaya argyrophylla, a rare and endangered plant species endemic to China, is a Tertiary relict and the sole member of the genus Cathaya within the Pinaceae family. Referred to as the "giant panda of the plant kingdom," it is designated as a Class I Nationally Protected Species in China and listed on the IUCN Red List, signifying its considerable research importance. Currently, C. argyrophylla populations face severe survival threats, exhibiting high environmental sensitivity and low adaptability, with the underlying mechanisms remaining unclear. To enhance conservation efforts and deepen our understanding of its genetic makeup and environmental responsiveness, we conducted the first-ever sequencing and publication of 50 fresh samples from 35 C. argyrophylla individuals collected across various locations, representing diverse physiological states. This inaugural release of a reference transcriptome dataset for this species aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers, thereby contributing to the conservation of C. argyrophylla and other endangered plant species.