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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 to 3 m

Distribution:

Widely distributed along the coastal mountain ranges (Tsitsikamma, Outeniqua and Langeberg Mountains) that are part of the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces. It grows mainly on the cooler southern slopes of the mountains.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

156.16 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

9.5 kilobases

Assembly N50:

34 366.2 kilobases

Contig number:

1852

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

4.33 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.7 % [S: 0.2 %, D: 99.5%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Cyclopia subternata

Honeybush

Species Card Details

Importance:

Honeybush is endemic to South Africa and has historically been used by the Khoi-San for its medicinal properties. Today, it is popular as an herbal infusion and consumed worldwide as a hot or cold beverage. This species is an important source of income in rural areas and is exported to more than 25 countries worldwide. Research has identified various health properties and benefits, but its full medicinal value remains largely unexploited.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Cecilia Bester
Agricultural Research Council

Date Published:

20205-09-22

Photo credit:

© C. Bester

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