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Group:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Distribution:

Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

34.81 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

1.09 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]

Importance:

The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa

Group:

Eudicot

Genome size:

768 million DNA base pairs ( 0.76Gigabases)

Size:

15 cm

Distribution:

Vernal pools from Clanwilliam to Knersvlakte and Nieuwoudtville
escarpment.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

95 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.61 kilobases

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

0.25 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

100%

BUSCO database:

TBA

Oxalis dines

Floating Sorrel

Species Card Details

Importance:

This remarkable aquatic Oxalis only grows in seasonal pools that dry up in summer. It is only very distantly related to some of the other morphologically similar aquatic species, providing a wonderful example of convergent evolution in the South African flora.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Kenneth Oberlander
University of Pretoria

Date Published:

2024-05-07

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© B. du Preez

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