top of page

Group:

Reptile

Estimated genome size:

10 - 20 cm (total body length)

Size:

10 - 20 cm (total body length)

Distribution:

Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

48.66 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.93 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

1.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]

Importance:

It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of 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

Species Card Details

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).

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Ernst van Jaarsveld
Babylonstoren Farm

Date Published:

2025-09-22

Photo credit:

© S.U. Küsel

bottom of page