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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Up to 18 m tall
Size:
Up to 18 m tall
Distribution:
The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
86.86 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
17.18 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.39 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]
Importance:
Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
30 to 60 cm
Distribution:
The Fever bush occurs in the western parts of southern Africa, in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, where plants occur in the Free State, Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape. They are commonly found growing on rocky hills in sandy soils or calcrete.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
55.85 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
11.79 kilobases
Assembly N50:
48 492.12 kilobases
Contig number:
684
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.67 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.8% [S: 98.6%, D: 1.2%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Dicoma capensis
Fever bush
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Importance:
Eaten by insects and pollinated by bees, Dicoma capensis is used in traditional medicine to treat colds, fever, back pain, haemorrhoids, bladder infections, kidney problems, influenza, nausea, liver problems, stomach problems, diarrhea, and rheumatism, and as a bitter tonic.
Date Published:
2026-10-17
Photo credit:
© N. van Berkel
Flora
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