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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:
15 meters
Distribution:
The wild plum grows from the Eastern Cape northwards through KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland, southern Mozambique, Limpopo and into Zimbabwe. This is a popular tree in frost-free areas.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
20.11 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
3.17 kilobases
Assembly N50:
1 454.18 kilobases
Contig number:
1 778
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.45 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.5% [S: 96.4%, D: 2.1%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Harpephyllum affrum
Wild plum
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Importance:
The tree’s fruit is edible and enjoyed by birds, animals, and humans. It is used for jams, jellies, and rosé wine. The bark is a traditional medicine for acne, eczema, and "bad blood," often used in skin washes. Burnt bark treats sprains and fractures, while it also serves as a dye. In the Eastern Cape, root decoctions are used for paralysis linked to sorcery
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Date Published:
2025-11-28
Photo credit:
© C. Peter
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