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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
1.5 m
Size:
1.5 m
Distribution:
Maiden's Quiver Tree is restricted to desert mountainsides and arid ravines in South Africa (Richtersveld of the Northern Cape) and southern Namibia. Its distribution is concentrated within the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
379.51 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.36 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
11.21 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.9% [S: 92.7%, D: 6.8%]
Importance:
Aloidendron ramosissimum is threatened by plant theft, overgrazing, and ongoing habitat degradation. Its slow growth and low resilience mean disturbances, drought, and increased grazing pressure have long-term impacts, especially on juvenile survival. Climate change and possible mining activities are expected to further reduce its suitable habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African Biodiversity Institute
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
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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
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