top of page
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:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Size:
12 mm
Distribution:
The distribution of Microhodotermes viator is largely restricted to southern Africa, with its range concentrated in the arid and semi-arid regions of South Africa, especially in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and parts of the Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
66.5 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
3.16 kilobases
Assembly N50:
6 407.31 kilobases
Contig number:
2 668
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.95 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.7% [S: 98.7%, D: 1.0%]
BUSCO database:
insecta
Microhodotermes viator
Southern harvester termite
.jpg)
Importance:
The Southern harvester termite is ecologically important in South African arid and semiarid ecosystems, particularly the Succulent Karoo and Nama Karoo biomes. It is a dominant decomposer and primary soil engineer, breaking down dry plant material and contributing to nutrient cycling, soil structure, and water infiltration. This termite’s genome sequence is important because it can: ① Reveal genetic adaptations to arid environments and extreme temperature fluctuations; ②. Shed light on the early evolution of termites; ③ Fill a major gap in termite phylogenomics, improving our understanding of termite diversification; ④ Inform conservation and land management in fragile dryland ecosystems facing climate change.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Barbara van Asch
Stellenbosch University, Genetics Department
Date Published:
2025-10-24
Photo credit:
© D. Gergonne
Fauna
bottom of page