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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:
1 390 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
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