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Group:
Moncot
Estimated genome size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Distribution:
Endemic to South Africa, the Miracle Clivia Lily is known to occur in the Oorlogskloof area near the town of Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape. The species has only been recorded in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, where two subpopulations are found on the Bokkeveldberge plateau.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
426.45 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.38 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
15.12 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 69.9%, D: 29.4%]
Importance:
Clivia mirabilis survives in an unusually arid environment compared with other Clivia species, which is why it is known as the “miracle lily”. Its distinctive hardiness has made it desirable for breeders seeking to improve ornamental Clivia lines. However, heavy illegal poaching has removed thousands of plants from the wild. This leaves the remaining population dangerously small and at risk of extinction in its natural habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Felix Middleton
Clivia Society of South Africa
Group:
Moncot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
1 m in height
Distribution:
Pearson's Aloe is highly localised, occurring in the north-western corner of South Africa and the southern parts of Namibia in the Lüderitz district. It has a narrow distribution that is limited to the area between Kuboes in the South African Richtersveld National Park and the mining town of Rosh Pinah in southern Namibia. Its distribution falls within, and contributes to the biodiversity of, the Gariep Centre of Plant Endemism.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
343.01 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
9.07 kilobases
Assembly N50:
1 121.75 kilobases
Contig number:
27 313
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
13.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.1% [S: 86.8%, D: 11.3%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Aloe pearsonii
Pearson's Aloe
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Importance:
Rising temperatures and prolonged drought in the Richtersveld (2015–2020) caused major die-offs of Pearson's Aloe, which has very low recruitment and grows extremely slowly. Overgrazing has intensified the decline, as livestock and wildlife now feed on this species due to the scarcity of other plants. Although valued medicinally and horticulturally, it remains difficult to cultivate.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Date Published:
2026-03-25
Photo credit:
© T Makola
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