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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:
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
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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.
Date Published:
2026-02-04
Photo credit:
© B. van Asch
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