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Group:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Distribution:

Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

34.81 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

1.09 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]

Importance:

The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa

Group:

Eudicot

Genome size:

1 660 million DNA base pairs (1.66 Gigabases)

Size:

30-70 cm

Distribution:

It has a widespread distribution but in the wild it is confined to dry river valleys in northern Kwazulu-Natal. It is also common in southern, central, and eastern Africa.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

42.19 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

18.10 Kilobases

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

0.68 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

96.0%

BUSCO database:

TBA

Coleus amboinicus

African Thyme

Species Card Details

Importance:

The fresh leaves are used both for medicinal purposes or as an herb or spice to flavour food, similar to thyme. It is also an important horticultural plant. In the wild it is adapted to disturbance by animals and is drought resistant due to its succulent nature.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Ernst Van Jaarsveld,
University of Western Cape | Babylonstoren

Date Published:

2024-06-12

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© E. Van Jaarsveld

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