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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

Genome size:

0.5 - 8 m (height)

Size:

0.5 - 8 m (height)

Distribution:

The Glossy Bottlebrush is endemic to South Africa, occurring in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. It typically grows on rocky slopes, cliff faces, and open grassland in montane habitats.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

31.02 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

10.31 kilobases

Assembly N50:

3.295 kilobases

Contig number:

307

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

0.18 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.6% [S: 85.9%, D: 13.7%]

BUSCO database:

TBA

Greyia sutherlandii

Glossy Bottlebrush

Species Card Details

Importance:

The bottlebrush, an endemic plant of montane regions, plays a key role in ecosystem services. Rich in flavonoids, it shows promising antityrosinase activity with potential medicinal benefits for skin conditions. Its striking flowers add horticultural appeal, making it both a functional and ornamental asset.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Dave Berger
University of Pretoria

Date Published:

2025-07-23

Photo credit:

© D. Berger

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