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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Up to 18 m tall
Size:
Up to 18 m tall
Distribution:
The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
86.86 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
17.18 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.39 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]
Importance:
Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
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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