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Group:

Reptile

Estimated genome size:

17 cm maximum (total body length).

Size:

17 cm maximum (total body length).

Distribution:

It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape and Northern Cape
provinces of South Africa.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

89.36 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

6.51 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

4.53 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.6% [Single: 50.6%, Duplicated: 49%]

Importance:

The greater padloper tortoise is endemic to South Africa and contributes to ecosystem stability in the Karoo. As the largest species in the genus Homopus, it is of scientific interest for studies of limb development, as it is one of only two Homopus species with four digits on each foot.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State

Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

Size:

Ranges from small shrubs (3-5m) to tall trees (18-25m) depending on the ecosystem

Distribution:

Colophospermum mopane is widely distributed across southern Africa, extending from the northern parts of South Africa into Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia and Angola.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

153.41 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.72 kilobases

Assembly N50:

34 688.87 kilobases

Contig number:

6 164

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

0.81 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.2% [S: 84.3%, D: 14.9%]

BUSCO database:

eukaryota

Colophospermum mopane

Mopane

Species Card Details

Importance:

Sequencing its genome provides a foundation for studying population genetic diversity and guiding conservation. It also enables genome annotation and analysis of molecular pathways involved in leaf secondary metabolism, supporting better understanding of Mopane tree and caterpillar ecology.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria

Date Published:

2025-11-28

Photo credit:

© SAplants

Flora

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