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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Distribution:
It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape and Northern Cape
provinces of South Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
89.36 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.51 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
4.53 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [Single: 50.6%, Duplicated: 49%]
Importance:
The greater padloper tortoise is endemic to South Africa and contributes to ecosystem stability in the Karoo. As the largest species in the genus Homopus, it is of scientific interest for studies of limb development, as it is one of only two Homopus species with four digits on each foot.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
2.5 meters in height.
Distribution:
The Giant honey flower is found in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa. They grow on sandstone slopes, often along streams, from the Bokkeveld Plateau in the Northern Cape to the Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.88 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
15.27 kilobases
Assembly N50:
30 873.71 kilobases
Contig number:
685
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.93 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.5% [Single: 77.3%, Duplicated: 22.3%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Melianthus major
Giant honey flower
Importance:
This species is not threatened, and its wild population is stable. It contributes to the biodiversity of southern Africa, with nectar-rich flowers that attract birds and bees. Traditionally, it has been used to treat a variety of ailments, and its extracts have been investigated for potential cosmetic applications.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Avril Harvey
Southern African Botanical Products Association
Date Published:
2026-08-04
Photo credit:
© U. Feiter
Flora
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