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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:
Monocot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
50cm with a
branched stem
Distribution:
Namaqualand southwards to the Cape Peninsula, and eastwards across the southern Cape as far as Swellendam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
128.17 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
29.5 kilobases
Assembly N50:
1 744.42 kilobases
Contig number:
7 727
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
6.31 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 61.2%, D: 38.4%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Moraea fugax
Klipuintjie or Soetuintjie
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Importance:
An important traditional food source with potential as a wild crop, and crucial for understanding the variability within what is likely an undocumented species complex.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Donovan Kirkwood
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
Date Published:
2026-02-09
Photo credit:
© D. Kirkwood
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