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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:
25 cm in height
Distribution:
The species is distributed throughout most provinces of South Africa, excluding the northernmost provinces, and is also found in Lesotho. It occurs in the Fynbos, Succulent Karoo, Nama-Karoo, and Grassland biomes.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
57.54 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
14.61 kilobases
Assembly N50:
7 376.8 kilobases
Contig number:
1 612
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
2.22 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.8% [S: 8.0%, D: 91.8%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Gazania krebsiana subsp. krebsiana
Gousblom
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Importance:
The subspecies, Gazania krebsiana subsp. krebsiana, is endemic to South Africa and Lesotho and is a parent of the spectacular hybrids grown commercially as ornamentals worldwide. It is a common and conspicuous component of the Fynbos, Succulent Karoo, and Nama-Karoo floras. The availability of genomic information will facilitate molecular breeding of novel ornamental hybrid strains, gene mining, and the potential utilisation of bioactive compounds.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Robert McKenzie
University of the Free State
Date Published:
2026-03-10
Photo credit:
© R. McKenzie
Flora
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