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Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Distribution:
Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.81 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
1.09 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]
Importance:
The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa
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
Kruidjie-roer-my-nie
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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
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