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Phylum:
Chordata
Estimated genome size:
Maximum length 50 cm
Organism size:
Maximum length 50 cm
Distribution:
Endemic to southern Africa, Labeo capensis is primarily found in the Orange-Vaal River system.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
13.8 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.49 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.1 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 94.9%, D: 3.9%]
Importance:
The Orange river mudfish is a freshwater species endemic to southern Africa. Human activities, such as inter-basin water transfers, have facilitated hybridisation with Moggel (Labeo umbratus). Genomic data are essential to clarify its phylogenetic placement and assess the extent of hybridisation. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Labeo capensis is an occasional angling species, and it is also used in ecological and physiological research. Additionally, it holds potential as a commercial species in large impoundments.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Gwynneth Matcher
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Phylum:
Tracheophyta
Estimated genome size:
991 million DNA base pairs (0.99 Gigabases)
Organism 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
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.45 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
94.3% [S: 90.8%, D: 3.5%]
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
Awaiting DOI
Photo credit:
© T. Makola
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