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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Distribution:
It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape and Northern Cape
provinces of South Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
89.36 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.51 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
4.53 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [Single: 50.6%, Duplicated: 49%]
Importance:
The greater padloper tortoise is endemic to South Africa and contributes to ecosystem stability in the Karoo. As the largest species in the genus Homopus, it is of scientific interest for studies of limb development, as it is one of only two Homopus species with four digits on each foot.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Group:
Monocot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
10 cm
Distribution:
Apongeton distachyos occurs naturally in the Western Cape and Northern Cape winter rainfall areas. It is dormant in summer when ponds and vleis dry up and tubers sprout again when these ponds fill up in autumn.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
218.98 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
2.78 kilobases
Assembly N50:
570.77 kilobases
Contig number:
41 661
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
5.09 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
97.9% [S: 74.4%, D: :24.5%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Apongeton distachyos
Waterblommetjies
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Importance:
Waterblommetjie flowers and buds are edible and are used to make the traditional South African stew called Waterblommetjie Bredie
(https://pza.sanbi.org/aponogeton-distachyos).
Date Published:
2025-09-22
Photo credit:
© S.U. Küsel
Flora
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