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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 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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