Recently, the Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden published two original research articles on the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Scutellaria baicalensis in the international biological journal Horticulture Research. 

 

Using multiple sequencing technologies, researchers successfully assembled the complete genome of Scutellaria baicalensis, achieving 100% sequence continuity and establishing a foundation for functional gene research. Another study on the mechanism of flower color formation in Scutellaria baicalensis identified 4 key genes involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in its flowers, which could facilitate developing blue-colored ornamental cultivars through genetic engineering.

 

Scutellaria baicalensis has a long history of medicinal use, and its rich flavonoids possess pharmaceutical efficacy. Meanwhile, its long flowering period and vibrant colors also demonstrate its potential as an ornamental plant. These two studies have laid a solid technical foundation for thoroughly exploring the medicinal value and ornamental purposes of Scutellaria baicalensis using multi-omics approaches.