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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

1.5 m in height

Size:

1.5 m in height

Distribution:

Brunia noduliflora occurs from the Cederberg southwards to the Cape Peninsula and eastwards as far as the Cockscomb in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains of the Eastern Cape, at altitudes from near sea level to approximately 1 500 m.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

39.88 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

16.91 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.72 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

97.40% [S: 47.0%, D: 50.0%]

Importance:

Brunia noduliflora is the most widespread species in the subgenus Brunia and occurs across diverse fynbos habitats in the Cape Floristic Region. Its broad ecological range makes it valuable for studying diversification and adaptation within the Bruniaceae.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Leanne Dreyer
Stellenbosch University

Group:

Echinoderm

Estimated genome size:

Size:

20 mm

Distribution:

This species is distributed along the South African coast from the west coast to KwaZulu-Natal.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

61.29 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

2.34 kilobases

Assembly N50:

110 kilobases

Contig number:

17 444

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Flye

Genome Length:

0.33 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.0% [S: 94.1%, D: 3.9%]

BUSCO database:

eukaryota

Parvulastra exigua

Dwarf cushion star

Species Card Details

Importance:

The dwarf cushion star is a widespread and ecologically significant intertidal species in South Africa. It contributes to biodiversity by maintaining balance in rocky shore ecosystems and serving as prey and grazer. Sequencing its genome will provide insights into adaptation to harsh intertidal conditions, population connectivity, and resilience to environmental change, supporting conservation and enhancing understanding of echinoderm evolution within South Africa's unique marine biodiversity.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Suzanne Redelinghuys
Rhodes University &
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

Date Published:

2025-12-01

Photo credit:

© S. Redelinghuys

Fauna

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