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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:
Monocot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
25 - 30 cm
Distribution:
The Yellow Star occurs in open grassland and woodland and is widespread in the eastern summer rainfall provinces of South Africa. It also occurs in Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
201.63 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
16.05 kilobases
Assembly N50:
47 511.29 kilobases
Contig number:
1 489
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
4.96 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.8% [S: 0.5%, D: 99.3%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Hypoxis hemerocallidea
Yellow Star
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Importance:
The species is a widely used medicinal plant in South Africa, well known for its immune-boosting properties. The rootstock is used to treat tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, prostate issues, rheumatoid arthritis and depression. Key compounds include hypoxoside, which converts to rooperol and sitosterol. However, raw forms contain toxic compounds. The species is heavily harvested, with unsustainable trade and habitat loss threatening the wild population. Conservation efforts are needed to protect this valuable species.
Date Published:
2025-10-28
Photo credit:
© A. Götze
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