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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Up to 18 m tall
Size:
Up to 18 m tall
Distribution:
The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
86.86 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
17.18 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.39 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]
Importance:
Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Group:
Echinoderm
Estimated genome size:
Size:
60mm
Distribution:
Parechinus angulosus is found along the South African coast from the Namibian border to southern Kwa-Zulu Natal.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
68.84 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
4.64 kilobases
Assembly N50:
67.65 kilobases
Contig number:
59 755
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
1.2 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
96.5% [S: 41.6%, D: 54.9%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Parechinus angulosus
Cape urchin
Importance:
Parechinus angulosus, the Cape urchin, plays a critical ecological role along South Africa's rocky shores, influencing algal distribution and maintaining community balance through its grazing activities. It is a key prey species for a variety of predators, including the endangered West Coast rock lobster (Jasus lalandii), thus supporting broader food web dynamics. While not a major fishery species itself, it contributes to ecosystem services that sustain economically important coastal fisheries.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Suzanne Redelinghuys
SAIAB and Rhodes University
Date Published:
2026-04-23
Photo credit:
© Clinton I. Green.
Flora
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