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Group:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

Greater than 18 mm

Size:

Greater than 18 mm

Distribution:

Anthia decemguttata inhabits sandy areas of the Karoo and fynbos regions in South Africa and Namibia. In South Africa, it occurs in the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

71.66 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

3.56 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.51 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

100.0% [S: 98.8%, D: 1.2%]

Importance:

Anthia decemguttata belongs to the family Carabidae, a group of beetles that includes important predators. Carabids are abundant in agricultural fields worldwide and may help control agricultural pests naturally.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Charlene Janion-Scheepers
University of Cape Town

Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

Size:

10m

Distribution:

The Giant Quiver Tree is confined to the northwestern part of South Africa and southern part of Namibia. There are three subpopulations, one that occurs in Namibia around Rosh Pinah, a second from the central Richtersveld area, and a third around Eksteenfontein in the southern parts of the Richtersveld. Most of the individuals occur within the AiAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

345.06 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.63 kilobases

Assembly N50:

492.02 kilobases

Contig number:

49 838

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

12.24 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

97.6% [S: 88.2%, D: 9.4%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Aloidendron pillansii

Giant Quiver tree

Species Card Details

Importance:

These plants are valued for their age, resilience, and strong association with the Richtersveld, and are highly sought after for their architectural form, increasing their trade value in arid regions. Populations are declining due to illegal collection, mining-related habitat loss and degradation, and growing human pressure. Prolonged droughts, likely intensified by climate change, have caused mortality and increased baboon predation, posing major ongoing threats.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Mr Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute

Date Published:

2026-02-10

Photo credit:

© T. Makola

Flora

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