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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
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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