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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:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

Size:

6-7 mm in length

Distribution:

Eastern Cape near Kariega and Gqeberha

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

29.1 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.51 kilobases

Assembly N50:

10 799 kilobases

Contig number:

531

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

0.89 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.7% [S: 91.7%, D: 8.0%]

BUSCO database:

insecta

Erotylid sp. nov. MS4

Cycad fungus beetle

Species Card Details

Importance:

These beetles form part of a complex that pollinates highly endangered cycads in South Africa. The sequencing will contribute to understanding the diversity of beetles and host relationships to inform conservation and pollinator recovery plans

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. John Donaldson
Wild Cycad Conservancy; University of Pretoria

Date Published:

2025-11-28

Photo credit:

© Wild Cycad Conservancy

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