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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 to 3.5 meters

Distribution:

Distributed from Bainskloof to Riversdale, Western Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

75.31 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

12.1 kilobases

Assembly N50:

6 633.75 kilobases

Contig number:

957

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

1.95 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.3% [S: 6.6%, D: 92.7%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Cyclopia maculata

Honeybush

Species Card Details

Importance:

Cyclopia maculata is endemic to South Africa and has historically been used by the Khoi-San for its medicinal properties. Today, it is popular as a herbal infusion and consumed locally as a beverage. This species is an important source of income in rural areas especially the Overberg region. Research has identified various health properties and benefits, but its full medicinal value is still largely underutilised.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Cecilia Bester
Agricultural Research Council

Date Published:

2025-10-28

Photo credit:

© M. Joubert

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