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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Up to 18 m tall
Size:
Up to 18 m tall
Distribution:
The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
86.86 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
17.18 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.39 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]
Importance:
Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
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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