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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:
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
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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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