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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:

1120 million DNA base pairs (1.12G Gigabases)

Size:

1 meter (height)

Distribution:

Leucospermum cuneiforme grows on sandstone slopes and flats in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, from sea level to 1000 m, from Greyton in the Caledon district, along the southern and eastern coastal belt and adjacent mountain ranges, to the Riviersonderend, Potberg, Langeberg, Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

28.34 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

14.49 kilobases

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

0.54 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.6% [S:88.2%, D:10.4%]

BUSCO database:

TBA

Leucospermum cuneiforme

Wart-stemmed Pincushion

Species Card Details

Importance:

Leucospermum sp belong to the Proteaceae family, a characteristic part of the Cape Floristic Region and an important member of South Africa's indigenous floriculture industry. On the one hand sustaining biodiversity and on the other creating jobs and earning international value on export of flowers. Leucospermum cuineiforme is currently part of a molecular marker development project.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Louisa Blomerus
Agricultural Research Council

Date Published:

2025-01-19

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© L. Blomerus

Flora

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