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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:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
0.3 - 1 meters (height)
Distribution:
Oedera humilis is widespread throughout the arid areas of southern Africa and occurs in southern and southwestern Botswana, southern Namibia, and the karoo areas of the Cape and the southern Free State.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
176.7 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
11.12 kilobases
Assembly N50:
87 919.35 kilobases
Contig number:
1 254
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
4.54 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.5% [S: 3.5%, D: 96.0%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Oedera humilis
Perdekaroo
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Importance:
This species is one of the bushes recognized in the Government Gazette No. 49556 as an essential part of the sheep diet required for producing certified Karoo lamb. Highly drought-resistant, it plays a critical role as forage during dry periods when most other plants have been grazed, even though it is not particularly palatable. Its new growth, however, carries a pleasantly aromatic flavour.
Date Published:
2025-08-27
Photo credit:
© S. Milton-Dean
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