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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

1.5 m

Size:

1.5 m

Distribution:

Maiden's Quiver Tree is restricted to desert mountainsides and arid ravines in South Africa (Richtersveld of the Northern Cape) and southern Namibia. Its distribution is concentrated within the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

379.51 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

12.36 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

11.21 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.9% [S: 92.7%, D: 6.8%]

Importance:

Aloidendron ramosissimum is threatened by plant theft, overgrazing, and ongoing habitat degradation. Its slow growth and low resilience mean disturbances, drought, and increased grazing pressure have long-term impacts, especially on juvenile survival. Climate change and possible mining activities are expected to further reduce its suitable habitat.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Thabang Makola
South African Biodiversity Institute

Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

Size:

0.15 m (height), rhizomatous and forms spreading mats

Distribution:

South Africa and Mozambique: coastal KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape; also widely cultivated and has naturalised beyond its natural distribution.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

25.98 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

32.67 kilobases

Assembly N50:

3 116.53 kilobases

Contig number:

887

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

1.02 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.3% [S: 79.8%, D: 19.5%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Gazania rigens

Botterblom

Species Card Details

Importance:

The species is of global importance in horticulture and is a common, ecologically important coastal dune and rock pioneer species on the southern and eastern South African shoreline. Genomic information is vital for future breeding of ornamental Gazania cultivars and to unravel the taxonomy, cytology, evolution, genetic diversity 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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