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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
Estimated genome size:
Size:
1 meter in height
Distribution:
Melianthus comosus occurs mainly in the dry interior of South Africa, extending across seven of the nine South African provinces: North-West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. It also occurs in Namibia and Lesotho.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
39.21 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
4.91 kilobases
Assembly N50:
15 688.62 kilobases
Contig number:
13 435
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.88 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.7% [S: 88.9%, D: 10.8%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Melianthus comosus
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Importance:
The brightly coloured red flowers produce an abundance of black nectar that attracts sunbirds, Cape white eyes, bees and butterflies. Leaf and stem extractions are used to treat septic wounds, sores, bruises, backache and rheumatic joints. It is a traditional remedy for snakebite.
Date Published:
2025-10-29
Photo credit:
© D. Hoare
Flora
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