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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
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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