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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:
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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