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Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Distribution:
Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.81 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
1.09 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]
Importance:
The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums 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:
31.37 kilobases
Contig number:
854
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
5.43Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 3.8%, D: 95.8%]
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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