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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

1.5 m

Size:

1.5 m

Distribution:

Maiden's Quiver Tree is restricted to desert mountainsides and arid ravines in South Africa (Richtersveld of the Northern Cape) and southern Namibia. Its distribution is concentrated within the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

379.51 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

12.36 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

11.21 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.9% [S: 92.7%, D: 6.8%]

Importance:

Aloidendron ramosissimum is threatened by plant theft, overgrazing, and ongoing habitat degradation. Its slow growth and low resilience mean disturbances, drought, and increased grazing pressure have long-term impacts, especially on juvenile survival. Climate change and possible mining activities are expected to further reduce its suitable habitat.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Thabang Makola
South African Biodiversity Institute

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

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