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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:
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
Flora
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