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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

0.3 meters in height.

Size:

0.3 meters in height.

Distribution:

Found in grassland habitats across Southern Africa.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

122.04 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

9.24 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

2.75 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.6% [S: 60.8%, D: 38.8%]

Importance:

Some populations of this species in the Barberton region of South Africa have evolved the ability to hyperaccumulate nickel, making this species ideal for a comparative genomics approach to understand the evolution of this extreme phenotype.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Robert Ingle
University of Cape Town

Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

Size:

0.5 - 3 meters

Distribution:

These plants grow close to rivers in the Van Staden mountains near Thornhill
(Gqeberha region, Eastern Cape).

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

143.83 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

14.18 kilobases

Assembly N50:

19787.69 kilobases

Contig number:

923

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

3.90 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.8% [S: 0.7%, D: 99.1%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Cyclopia longifolia

Honeybush

Species Card Details

Importance:

Cyclopia longifolia is endemic to South Africa. It has historically been used by the Khoi-San for its medicinal properties. Today, it is popular as a herbal infusion and consumed worldwide as a hot or cold beverage. This species has been commercially cultivated since 2000 after rediscovery of a small population. Research has identified various health benefits, but its full medicinal value remains largely unexploited.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Cecilia Bester
Agricultural Research Council

Date Published:

2025-08-26

Photo credit:

© 

C .Bester

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