top of page
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
1.5 m in height
Size:
1.5 m in height
Distribution:
Brunia noduliflora occurs from the Cederberg southwards to the Cape Peninsula and eastwards as far as the Cockscomb in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains of the Eastern Cape, at altitudes from near sea level to approximately 1 500 m.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
39.88 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
16.91 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.72 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
97.40% [S: 47.0%, D: 50.0%]
Importance:
Brunia noduliflora is the most widespread species in the subgenus Brunia and occurs across diverse fynbos habitats in the Cape Floristic Region. Its broad ecological range makes it valuable for studying diversification and adaptation within the Bruniaceae.
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