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Species Card Details

Pelargonium echinatum

Prickly-stemmed
pelargonium

Species Card Photograph

Group:

Eudicot

Size:

0.3 - 0.5 m

Distribution:

This species is endemic and widespread across western South Africa, from the Richtersveld to Clanwilliam.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

66.57 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

16.39 kilobases

Assembly N50:

48 987.56 kilobases

Contig number:

1 473

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

0.57 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.8% [S: 89.9%, D: 9.9%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Importance:

Prickly-stemmed pelargonium is among the most beautiful winterflowering pelargoniums. Traditionally, South African tribes have used Pelargonium species to treat ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, wounds, fever, colds, sore throats, and urinary issues, to name a few. The essential oil from Pelargonium species is highly valued for its rose like fragrance with minty notes, widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy. Known for its calming and balancing properties, it helps relieve anxiety, fatigue, and depression, while also benefiting skin care and respiratory health.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Mr Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute

Date Published:

2025-12-01

Photo credit:

© T. Makola

Flora

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