top of page
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:
700 million DNA base pairs (0.7 Gigabases)
Size:
2.2 – 4 meters in height
Distribution:
The Karoo num-num occurs in wooded areas, extending from the southwestern Western Cape along the coast through the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, into the Free State, Gauteng, and the northern provinces. Its range also includes Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia, with sporadic occurrences as far north as Kenya. Its leaves and thorns exhibit marked variation across its distribution.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
57.27 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
8.05 kilobases
Assembly N50:
TBA
Contig number:
TBA
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
0.43 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.4% [S: 90.4%, D: 8.0%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Carissa bispinosa
Karoo num-num
.jpeg)
Importance:
Karoo num-nums are evergreen and provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife. They are wind resistant and moderately drought-tolerant, but susceptible to frost. They are cultivated for ornamental use as shrubs and hedges with starry white flowers and bright red edible fruit. The roots have been used medicinally to treat toothache. The num-num is also used in traditional Swazi ceremonies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Date Published:
2025-03-12
Photo credit:
© T. Makola
bottom of page