top of page
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:
30 cm
Distribution:
Renostergousblom is distributed throughout the Western Cape and encroaches into the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. It is a common component of fynbos and renosterveld vegetation units.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
51.5 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
25.41 kilobases
Assembly N50:
3 148.65 kilobases
Contig number:
1 811
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
2.21 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.5% [S: 82.8%, D: 16.7%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Arctotis acaulis
Renostergousblom
.jpg)
Importance:
The species is endemic to South Africa and has contributed to hybrids that are grown commercially as ornamentals worldwide. It is common throughout the Western Cape and is a conspicuous and important component of fynbos and renosterveld. The availability of genomic information will facilitate molecular breeding of novel ornamental hybrid strains, gene mining, and the potential utilisation of bioactive compounds.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Robert McKenzie
University of the Free State
Date Published:
2026-03-23
Photo credit:
© R. McKenzie
bottom of page