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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:
Up to 1 meter tall and wide
Distribution:
Eriocephalus ericoides thrives in the stony clay and sandy flats from Namibia to the Free State and the Northern, Western and Eastern Cape. It is the most widely distributed species of the genus.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
422.44 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
10.93 kilobases
Assembly N50:
89 078.95 kilobases
Contig number:
1 952
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
13.71 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.8% [S: 3.1%, D: 96.7%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Eriocephalus ericoides
Gewone Kapokbossie
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Importance:
The Gewone Kapokbossie (kapokbossie is Afrikaans for “snow bush”) is one of the essential bushes in a sheep’s diet which is required for producing certified Karoo lamb. It is the most commonly used medicinal plant of its genus.
Date Published:
2025-09-18
Photo credit:
© D. Turner
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