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Group:
Monocot
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
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
Flora
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