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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
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
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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.
Date Published:
2025-10-24
Photo credit:
© J. Eksteen
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