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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
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Up to 25 meters tall
Distribution:
Celtis africana occurs in large parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. It grows in a wide variety of habitats from forest and coastal bush to bushveld, mountain gorges and open country, typically savanna. Its range extends from the Western Cape, South Africa, eastwards and northwards around the southern African coastline, extending inland in the warmer, wetter regions, and further north into Ethiopia and the Arabian peninsula.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
49.39 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
31.01 kilobases
Assembly N50:
45 733.9 kilobases
Contig number:
655
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.48 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 99.1%, D: 0.2%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Celtis africana
White stinkwood/Witstinkhout
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Importance:
The fruit and seeds of the white stinkwood (witstinkhout in Afrikaans) are consumed by various animals, including baboons, monkeys, doves, parrots, louries, thrushes, bulbuls, and weavers. The wood has traditionally been used as a timber to manufacture a variety of household articles. Several related Celtis species have been introduced to South Africa and can be mistaken for the white stinkwood. These species are planted as shade trees in gardens and parks but also invade riverbanks and urban spaces. They can hybridize with the white stinkwood, highlighting the need for conservation.
Date Published:
2025-10-28
Photo credit:
© D. Venter
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