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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:

1 - 1.5 m

Distribution:

Central Richtersveld Mountain Shrubland

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

158.88 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

19.77 kilobases

Assembly N50:

5 885.74 kilobases

Contig number:

3 075

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

5.92 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.6% [S: 87.8%, D: 11.8%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Euphorbia dregeana

Bergmelkbos

Species Card Details

Importance:

The Euphorbiaceae family is facing increasing threats in southern Africa due to poaching for illegal trade, with over 30 species currently classified as threatened and another 30 species either lacking sufficient data or yet to be evaluated. This highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to prevent further decline and avert critical risk.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Mr Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute

Date Published:

2026-02-011

Photo credit:

© T. Makola

Flora

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