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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Up to 18 m tall
Size:
Up to 18 m tall
Distribution:
The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
86.86 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
17.18 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.39 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]
Importance:
Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Group:
Eudicot
Genome size:
1 390 million DNA base pairs (1.39 Gigabases)
Size:
150 – 300 millimeters in height
Distribution:
Restricted to the soft sandy coastal regions of the summer-dry Western Cape, from Langebaan to the Cape Flats, also with outliers in sandy regions near Worcester in the Breede River Valley. Always confined to open areas in full sun, in flat terrain or on dunes, in soft sand. It grows in the Strandveld Biome and especially common along the West Coast.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
52.64 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
10.5 kilobases
Assembly N50:
TBA
Contig number:
TBA
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
2.43 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.6% [S: 40.2%, D: 58.4%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Carpanthea pomeridiana
Vetkousie
Importance:
A very useful edible plant formerly eaten by the Koi people, and by the colonists on the Cape Peninsula and Cape Flats. The young fleshy capsules are eaten as a lettuce or prepared in a stew. Collect the young fleshy fruits, boil and add to meat dishes. Vetkousie is also a popular garden annual, providing a show of golden flowers in spring.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Ernst van Jaarsveld
Babylonstoren Farms, University of Western Cape
Date Published:
2025-03-12
Photo credit:
© F. Riegel
Flora
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