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Group:
Moncot
Estimated genome size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Distribution:
Endemic to South Africa, the Miracle Clivia Lily is known to occur in the Oorlogskloof area near the town of Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape. The species has only been recorded in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, where two subpopulations are found on the Bokkeveldberge plateau.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
426.45 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.38 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
15.12 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 69.9%, D: 29.4%]
Importance:
Clivia mirabilis survives in an unusually arid environment compared with other Clivia species, which is why it is known as the “miracle lily”. Its distinctive hardiness has made it desirable for breeders seeking to improve ornamental Clivia lines. However, heavy illegal poaching has removed thousands of plants from the wild. This leaves the remaining population dangerously small and at risk of extinction in its natural habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Felix Middleton
Clivia Society 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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