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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:
A small to medium tree up to 12 m high. It can develop a massive canopy through branches rooting and forming “daughter” trunks.
Distribution:
This tree is found from South Africa and Botswana to the Arabian Peninsula, Socotra Island and Egypt. Outlying populations are present in mountains in the Sahara desert.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
70.76 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
7.9 kilobases
Assembly N50:
2 031.03 kilobases
Contig number:
1 242
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.81 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.6% [S: 20.9%, D: 77.6%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Ficus salicifolia
Wonderboom fig
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Importance:
Most Ficus species have 26 chromosomes, but tetraploidy has possibly evolved four times within the genus, producing four tetraploid Ficus species, all of which occur in South Africa. Although tetraploidy may provide an advantage in South Africa’s more seasonal climate, its benefits remain unclear. The assembled genome will help test hypotheses on the evolution and potential adaptive significance of tetraploidy.
Date Published:
2026-06-10
Photo credit:
© J. Greeff
Flora
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