Ggtree: a serialized data object for visualization of phylogenetic tree and annotation data

Abstract

Ggtree supports mapping and visualizing associated external data on phylogeny with two general methods. The output of ggtree is a ggtree graphic object that can be rendered as a static image. Most importantly, the input tree and associated data that used in visualization can be extracted from the graphic object, making it an ideal data structure for publishing tree (image, tree and data in one single object) and thus enhance data reuse and analytic reproducibility.