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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Up to 18 m tall
Size:
Up to 18 m tall
Distribution:
The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
86.86 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
17.18 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.39 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]
Importance:
Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Group:
Eudicot
Genome size:
991 million DNA base pairs (0.99 Gigabases)
Size:
0.5 – 1 meter in height
Distribution:
Lessertia frutescens occurs naturally throughout the dry parts of southern Africa – in Western Cape and up the west coast as far north as Namibia and into Botswana, and in the western Karoo to Eastern Cape. It is also found in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. It shows remarkable variation within its distribution
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
225.29 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
1.74 kilobases
Assembly N50:
TBA
Contig number:
TBA
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
0.45 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
94.3% [S: 90.8%, D: 3.5%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Lessertia frutescens
Cancer bush
Importance:
This plant is one of the most discussed in the ethnobotanical world because it has a strong reputation as a cure for cancer and increasingly as an immune booster in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It has long been known, used and respected as a medicinal plant in southern Africa. There is preliminary clinical evidence that it has a direct anti-cancer effect in some cancers and that it acts as an immune stimulant. Research on its properties is ongoing.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Date Published:
2025-03-12
Photo credit:
© T. Makola
Flora
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