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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Distribution:
It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape and Northern Cape
provinces of South Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
89.36 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.51 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
4.53 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [Single: 50.6%, Duplicated: 49%]
Importance:
The greater padloper tortoise is endemic to South Africa and contributes to ecosystem stability in the Karoo. As the largest species in the genus Homopus, it is of scientific interest for studies of limb development, as it is one of only two Homopus species with four digits on each foot.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
2 – 25 meters in height
Distribution:
The jackalberry tree (Diospyros mespiliformis) is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, occurring from West Africa to Southern Africa. In Southern Africa, it is found in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, Malawi, Botswana and South Africa, particularly in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
21.99 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
18.41 kilobases
Assembly N50:
368.16 kilobases
Contig number:
6 122
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
1.36 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
94.5% [S: 82%, D: 12.5%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Diospyros mespiliformis
Jackalberry
Importance:
The jackalberry tree (Diospyros mespiliformis) is an ecologically and culturally important South African species, particularly in the north-eastern provinces. It provides food and habitat for wildlife, supports riverbank stabilisation and soil conservation, and is traditionally used to treat ailments such as stomach pain, diarrhea and respiratory infections. As no genomic resources currently exist for this species, genome sequencing will provide valuable data for conservation, ecological research and future applications.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Date Published:
2026-07-20
Photo credit:
© Y. Mgwatyu
Flora
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