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Group:
Moncot
Estimated genome size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Distribution:
Endemic to South Africa, the Miracle Clivia Lily is known to occur in the Oorlogskloof area near the town of Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape. The species has only been recorded in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, where two subpopulations are found on the Bokkeveldberge plateau.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
426.45 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.38 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
15.12 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 69.9%, D: 29.4%]
Importance:
Clivia mirabilis survives in an unusually arid environment compared with other Clivia species, which is why it is known as the “miracle lily”. Its distinctive hardiness has made it desirable for breeders seeking to improve ornamental Clivia lines. However, heavy illegal poaching has removed thousands of plants from the wild. This leaves the remaining population dangerously small and at risk of extinction in its natural habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Felix Middleton
Clivia Society of South Africa
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
1 to 2 meters in height
Distribution:
Green heath occurs in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, from Piketberg in the Western Cape to Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape, including regions such as the Overberg, the Garden Route and the Cape Peninsula.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
75.76 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
15.37 kilobases
Assembly N50:
30 189.01 kilobases
Contig number:
2 067
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.46 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 75.7%, D: 23.1%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Erica sessiliflora
Green heath
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Importance:
Erica sessiliflora is significant for its unique sunbird pollination and its fire-adapted serotiny. Endemic to South Africa, it is valued as a garden shrub that attracts birds. Sequencing its genome improves biodiversity knowledge and supports conservation.
Date Published:
2026-03-17
Photo credit:
© P. Strauss
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