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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
1.5 m
Size:
1.5 m
Distribution:
Maiden's Quiver Tree is restricted to desert mountainsides and arid ravines in South Africa (Richtersveld of the Northern Cape) and southern Namibia. Its distribution is concentrated within the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
379.51 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.36 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
11.21 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.9% [S: 92.7%, D: 6.8%]
Importance:
Aloidendron ramosissimum is threatened by plant theft, overgrazing, and ongoing habitat degradation. Its slow growth and low resilience mean disturbances, drought, and increased grazing pressure have long-term impacts, especially on juvenile survival. Climate change and possible mining activities are expected to further reduce its suitable habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African Biodiversity Institute
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Up to 2 meters (height)
Distribution:
Foot of Van Stadens River Mountains, west of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
80.79 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
15.79 kilobases
Assembly N50:
9 938.21 kilobases
Contig number:
656
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
2.29 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.5% [S: 13.9%, D: 85.6%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Cyclopia pubescens Eckl. & Zeyh.
Honeybush
Importance:
Cyclopia pubescens is endemic to South Africa and has historically been used by the Khoi-San for its medicinal properties. Recent research done by the ARC identified it as a valuable species to add as a commercial cultivated species for beverage products. This species only occurs in small pockets in the Nelson Bay Metropole (Gqeberha) and is critically endangered.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Cecilia Bester
Agricultural Research Council
Date Published:
2026-02-16
Photo credit:
© M. Joubert
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