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Group:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Distribution:

Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

34.81 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

1.09 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]

Importance:

The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa

Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

Size:

0.1 - 0.2 m (height)

Distribution:

South Africa: Western Cape and Eastern Cape

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

114.5 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

20.54 kilobases

Assembly N50:

457.91 kilobases

Contig number:

22 796

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

6.43 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.5% [S: 0.7%, D: 98.8%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Gazania ciliaris

Treasure Flower

Species Card Details

Importance:

Gazania is a floristically important indigenous genus distributed throughout South Africa but with its centre of diversity in the Cape floristic region. Gazania hybrids are globally important in horticulture. Gazania ciliaris is a Cape-endemic species and diverged early during diversification of the genus. Thus, it is crucial for exploring the genetic diversity, evolution, cytology and biogeography of Gazania.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Robert James McKenzie
University of the Free State

Date Published:

2025-10-28

Photo credit:

© R. McKenzie

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