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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

0.3 meters in height.

Size:

0.3 meters in height.

Distribution:

Found in grassland habitats across Southern Africa.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

122.04 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

9.24 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

2.75 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.6% [S: 60.8%, D: 38.8%]

Importance:

Some populations of this species in the Barberton region of South Africa have evolved the ability to hyperaccumulate nickel, making this species ideal for a comparative genomics approach to understand the evolution of this extreme phenotype.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Robert Ingle
University of Cape Town

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

Species Card Details

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

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© L. Blomerus

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