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Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Distribution:
Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.81 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
1.09 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]
Importance:
The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Group:
Eudicot
Genome size:
2280 million DNA base pairs (2.28 Gigabases)
Size:
2 meters (height)
Distribution:
Agathosma betulina has a restricted natural distribution area in the Western Cape. It is found on mountain slopes near Niewoudtville, Piketberg and Tulbagh and in the Cederberg Mountains.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
33.26 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
14.6 kilobases
Assembly N50:
TBA
Contig number:
TBA
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
0.55 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S:82.2%, D:11.1%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Agathosma betulina
Bergboegoe
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Importance:
Wild plants of this species are still plentiful but are being harvested faster than they can reproduce, posing a threat to the species' survival. This has led to efforts to cultivate them. The plant has been used by the indigenous people of South Africa as a folk remedy for various disorders, including urinary tract infections. The essential oils and extracts of the leaves are used as flavouring for teas, candy, and a liquor known as buchu brandy in South Africa. The two primary chemical constituents of the oils of A. betulina are isomenthone and diosphenol. The extract is said to taste like blackcurrant.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Louisa Blomerus
Agricultural Research Council
Date Published:
2025-01-19
Photo credit:
© L. Blomerus
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