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Group:

Reptile

Estimated genome size:

10 - 20 cm (total body length)

Size:

10 - 20 cm (total body length)

Distribution:

Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

48.66 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.93 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

1.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]

Importance:

It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State

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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