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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
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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