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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:
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
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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
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