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Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Distribution:
Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.81 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
1.09 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]
Importance:
The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa
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
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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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