top of page
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:
Averages between 1.5 and 2 m in height.
Distribution:
This species historically occurred on the Cape Flats of the Cape Peninsula from the Black River to Zeekoeivlei. It has been reintroduced at three sites: Rondevlei between 2002 and 2005, Kenilworth Racecourse in 2006 and Tokai park in 2004.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
62.29 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
7.99 kilobases
Assembly N50:
210.03 kilobases
Contig number:
6 951
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
0.4 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 85.5%, D: 14.1%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Erica verticillata
Whorl heath
Importance:
Erica verticillata is a critically endangered fynbos species once extinct in the wild and now reintroduced through conservation efforts. As part of the unique Cape Floristic Region, it plays a role in sustaining pollinators and ecosystem balance. Sequencing its genome can uncover genetic traits linked to its adaptability, inform restoration strategies, and enhance our understanding of plant resilience in fire-prone, nutrient poor habitats.
Date Published:
2025-08-27
Photo credit:
© B. du Preez
bottom of page