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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
1.5 m
Size:
1.5 m
Distribution:
Maiden's Quiver Tree is restricted to desert mountainsides and arid ravines in South Africa (Richtersveld of the Northern Cape) and southern Namibia. Its distribution is concentrated within the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
379.51 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.36 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
11.21 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.9% [S: 92.7%, D: 6.8%]
Importance:
Aloidendron ramosissimum is threatened by plant theft, overgrazing, and ongoing habitat degradation. Its slow growth and low resilience mean disturbances, drought, and increased grazing pressure have long-term impacts, especially on juvenile survival. Climate change and possible mining activities are expected to further reduce its suitable habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African Biodiversity Institute
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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