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Group:
Moncot
Estimated genome size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Distribution:
Endemic to South Africa, the Miracle Clivia Lily is known to occur in the Oorlogskloof area near the town of Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape. The species has only been recorded in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, where two subpopulations are found on the Bokkeveldberge plateau.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
426.45 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.38 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
15.12 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 69.9%, D: 29.4%]
Importance:
Clivia mirabilis survives in an unusually arid environment compared with other Clivia species, which is why it is known as the “miracle lily”. Its distinctive hardiness has made it desirable for breeders seeking to improve ornamental Clivia lines. However, heavy illegal poaching has removed thousands of plants from the wild. This leaves the remaining population dangerously small and at risk of extinction in its natural habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Felix Middleton
Clivia Society of South Africa
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
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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
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