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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

1.5 m in height

Size:

1.5 m in height

Distribution:

Brunia noduliflora occurs from the Cederberg southwards to the Cape Peninsula and eastwards as far as the Cockscomb in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains of the Eastern Cape, at altitudes from near sea level to approximately 1 500 m.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

39.88 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

16.91 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.72 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

97.40% [S: 47.0%, D: 50.0%]

Importance:

Brunia noduliflora is the most widespread species in the subgenus Brunia and occurs across diverse fynbos habitats in the Cape Floristic Region. Its broad ecological range makes it valuable for studying diversification and adaptation within the Bruniaceae.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Leanne Dreyer
Stellenbosch University

Group:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

Size:

Wingspan: 10-12 cm

Distribution:

Primarily mopane woodlands in southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

34.4 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

6.65 kilobases

Assembly N50:

249.78 kilobases

Contig number:

6 924

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Flye

Genome Length:

0.4 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.4% [S: 94.1%, D: 4.3%]

BUSCO database:

eukaryota

Gonimbrasia belina

Mopane worm

Species Card Details

Importance:

Mopane worms are harvested from the wild at a commercial scale in southern Africa for human consumption. Demand has been increasing and harvesting and trade have intensified. Together with habitat loss and climate change, this has raised concerns about the sustainability of the species. The genome sequence will assist in understanding population dynamics and the conservation status of the species.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Barbara van Asch
Stellenbosch University

Date Published:

2026-02-04

Photo credit:

© B. van Asch

Fauna

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