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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:
2-3 cm
Distribution:
Northern Cape province of South Africa, encompassing areas like Bushmanland and Northeastern Namaqualand.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
80.2 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
19.63 kilobases
Assembly N50:
27 198.08 kilobases
Contig number:
769
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
1.11 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.1% [S: 93.9%, D: 5.2%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Avonia quinaria
Red-flowered Avonia
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Importance:
This succulent it is an essential component of the diverse Karoo flora of South Africa. Its capacity to thrive in harsh, arid environments suggests a deep evolutionary history that merits further investigation. We can learn more about its adaptability and resilience from its genome.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Kedibone Masenya South African National Biodiversity Institute/ University of Johannesburg
Date Published:
2025-10-24
Photo credit:
© K. Schade
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