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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 m
Distribution:
This species is widely distributed across southern Africa, occurring in the Northern, Western, and Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Namibia. It is the most widely distributed South African shrubby euphorbia and is especially dominant in the Succulent Karoo, where it commonly occurs on valleys and hillsides.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
199.73 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
24.18 kilobases
Assembly N50:
46 174.4 kilobases
Contig number:
1 074
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
6.08 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.8% [S: 32.0%, D: 67.8%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Euphorbia mauritanica
Yellow milk bush
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Importance:
The yellow milk bush a is toxic to livestock and sometimes confused with another succulent shrub used as forage, but it is valued as a drought tolerant ornamental. In southern Africa, members of the Euphorbiaceae face increasing threats from illegal trade, highlighting the need for urgent conservation.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Mr Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Date Published:
2026-02-09
Photo credit:
© T. Makola
Flora
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