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Group:

Moncot

Estimated genome size:

50 to 100 cm in height

Size:

50 to 100 cm in height

Distribution:

Endemic to South Africa, the Miracle Clivia Lily is known to occur in the Oorlogskloof area near the town of Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape. The species has only been recorded in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, where two subpopulations are found on the Bokkeveldberge plateau.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

426.45 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

12.38 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

15.12 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.3% [S: 69.9%, D: 29.4%]

Importance:

Clivia mirabilis survives in an unusually arid environment compared with other Clivia species, which is why it is known as the “miracle lily”. Its distinctive hardiness has made it desirable for breeders seeking to improve ornamental Clivia lines. However, heavy illegal poaching has removed thousands of plants from the wild. This leaves the remaining population dangerously small and at risk of extinction in its natural habitat.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Felix Middleton
Clivia Society 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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