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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
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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