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Species Cards

Erotylidae gen. nov. MS 5

This cycad-associated beetle represents a previously unsequenced and undescribed lineage within the family Erotylidae. It forms part of the pollinator assemblage for endangered Encephalartos species.

Cycad fungus beetle

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Portulacaria pygmaea

This species is listed as Critically Endangered on the SANBI Red List. It is has lost most of its habitat to mining and is being poached heavily and needs critical conservation intervention. It is a relative of Portulacaria afra (spekboom) which has important ecological and economic value.

Pygmy porkbush

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Pelargonium fergusoniae

This species represents a major taxonomic group within Pelargonium, a highly diverse genus with economic, research and conservation value. As an endangered species its assembled genome will support studies of population genetic patterns and inform future conservation strategies.

Malva

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Ficus salicifolia

Most Ficus species have 26 chromosomes, but tetraploidy has possibly evolved four times within the genus, producing four tetraploid Ficus species, all of which occur in South Africa.

Wonderboom fig

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Themeda triandra

Themeda triandra is a keystone grass species that plays an important role in maintaining healthy grassland ecosystems.

Red Grass

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Artemisia afra

Artemisia afra is an important South African medicinal plant, valued for its reported antibacterial, antiviral and anti inflammatory properties.

African wormwood

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Tarchonanthus
camphoratus

The camphor bush is valued for its medicinal properties, including reported antioxidant activity. Its genome assembly provides a useful resource for future research into the genetic basis of its medicinal and ecological traits.

Camphor bush

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Brunia microphylla

Brunia microphylla is the most widespread species in the subgenus Raspalia,
occurring in lower-altitude areas of the Western Cape fynbos, often in large
populations. Its broad distribution makes it a useful representative for
exploring relationships within the Bruniaceae.

Common Cedar Blacktips

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Bullacris unicolor

Bladder grasshoppers are unusual insects, largely endemic to Southern Africa and highly specialised for sound communication.

Bladder grasshopper

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Microhodotermes viator
nov. subspecies

Microhodotermes viator is widely distributed across Southern Africa and plays an important role in soil composition.

Southern Harvester Termite

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Aristea Africana

Aristea africana represents a key taxonomic group within the genus Aristea, contributing to broader representation of this lineage within the highly diverse family Iridaceae.

Blousuurkanol

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Brunia noduliflora

Brunia noduliflora is the most widespread species in the subgenus Brunia and occurs across diverse fynbos habitats in the Cape Floristic Region.

Cone Stompie

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