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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:

Up to 1 meter in height

Distribution:

Hoodia gordonii is widely distributed across in the north-eastern part of the Western Cape, the north and north-western regions of the Northern Cape and southern Namibia. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from >40°C to relatively low (-3°C).

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

48.35 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

9.5 kilobases

Assembly N50:

44 663 kilobases

Contig number:

666

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

0.55 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.6%% [S: 95.5%, D: 3.1%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Hoodia gordonii

Bitter ghaap

Species Card Details

Importance:

Hoodia is a genus of succulent plants that is widely used; traditionally by the San people of southern Africa as an appetite suppressant, thirst quencher and as a cure for, amongst other things, severe abdominal cramps, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes. Although relatively difficult to cultivate, Hoodias are attractive plants and are also used for horticultural purposes.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Renée Prins
CenGen (Pty) Ltd

Date Published:

2025-10-24

Photo credit:

© J. Eksteen

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