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Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Distribution:
Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.81 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
1.09 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]
Importance:
The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Group:
Eudicot
Genome size:
1 480 million DNA base pairs (1.48 Gigabases)
Size:
1.8 – 2 meters in height
Distribution:
Native to southern Africa, gannabos is found in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, and it is abundant in the Karoo, Little Karoo, and Eastern Cape areas. Thriving in dry watercourses of the hot and arid inland parts of southern Africa in areas where underground water is likely to be retained longest. Also growing on riverbanks and floodplains in loamy and saline soils which are dry for extended periods.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
51.54 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
9.48 kilobases
Assembly N50:
TBA
Contig number:
TBA
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
0.81 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 81.2%, D: 17.6%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Caroxylon aphyllum
Gannabos
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Importance:
Gannabos was used in the past by farmers to make lye and soap. It is heavily browsed by all types of wild and domestic animals, including ruminants and ostriches and is a valuable feed in times of scarcity. It is also one of the bushes that is part of a sheep's diet and is considered necessary for producing karoo lamb when selling meat.
Date Published:
2025-03-12
Photo credit:
© K. Grobler
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