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Group:
Moncot
Estimated genome size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Distribution:
Endemic to South Africa, the Miracle Clivia Lily is known to occur in the Oorlogskloof area near the town of Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape. The species has only been recorded in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, where two subpopulations are found on the Bokkeveldberge plateau.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
426.45 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.38 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
15.12 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 69.9%, D: 29.4%]
Importance:
Clivia mirabilis survives in an unusually arid environment compared with other Clivia species, which is why it is known as the “miracle lily”. Its distinctive hardiness has made it desirable for breeders seeking to improve ornamental Clivia lines. However, heavy illegal poaching has removed thousands of plants from the wild. This leaves the remaining population dangerously small and at risk of extinction in its natural habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Felix Middleton
Clivia Society of South Africa
Group:
Monocot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
30 to 80 cm in height
Distribution:
Clivia nobilis is endemic to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Colonies are concentrated towards the coast, from just north of the Sundays River Mouth, extending up along the coast to the Mbashe River area. Although mostly found among dune vegetation, some colonies occur as far inland as the vicinity of Makhanda (previously Grahamstown).
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
380.32 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
11.68 kilobases
Assembly N50:
4 442.77 kilobases
Contig number:
19 823
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
16.44 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 72.7%, D: 26.6%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Clivia nobilis
Green-tip forest lily
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Importance:
Green-tip forest lily was the first species of Clivia to be formally described. Specimens were sent to Europe for domestication as early as 1830, playing an important role in the domestication of Clivia as an ornamental plant. Illegal poaching for the international rare plant market has led to a decline of this species in nature. Additionally, this Clivia is collected and used in the traditional medicine market. Its unique chemical (alkaloid) properties have also made it a subject of international scientific study.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Felix Middleton
Clivia Society of South Africa
Date Published:
2025-10-28
Photo credit:
© A. de Wet Steyn
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