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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:

0.2 – 0.5m

Distribution:

From Pondoland to north of Pietermaritzburg.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

67.72 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

10.5 kilobases

Assembly N50:

13 849.88 kilobases

Contig number:

2 386

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

0.48 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.8% [S: 86.8%, D: 12.9%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Barberetta aurea

Barberetta aurea

Species Card Details

Importance:

Barberetta is a sister genus to Wachendorfia. A genome assembly of B. aurea from Karkloof (KZN) revealed the same supergene locus as Wachendorfia paniculata, while analyses of a Ngeli (KZN) population show substantial genetic differences. A long-read assembly of B. aurea from Ngeli will help define the boundaries of the supergene locus and clarify whether Barberetta comprises multiple species.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof Nicola Illing
University of Cape Town

Date Published:

2026-02-10

Photo credit:

© N. Illing

Flora

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