top of page

Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

1.5 m

Size:

1.5 m

Distribution:

Maiden's Quiver Tree is restricted to desert mountainsides and arid ravines in South Africa (Richtersveld of the Northern Cape) and southern Namibia. Its distribution is concentrated within the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

379.51 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

12.36 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

11.21 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.9% [S: 92.7%, D: 6.8%]

Importance:

Aloidendron ramosissimum is threatened by plant theft, overgrazing, and ongoing habitat degradation. Its slow growth and low resilience mean disturbances, drought, and increased grazing pressure have long-term impacts, especially on juvenile survival. Climate change and possible mining activities are expected to further reduce its suitable habitat.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Thabang Makola
South African Biodiversity Institute

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

bottom of page