top of page
Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
25 - 30 cm in height
Distribution:
The black pelargonium has a wide distribution. It occurs throughout the eastern Cape, Lesotho, Free State and southern and south western Gauteng in South Africa. It usually grows in short grassland and sometimes with occasional shrubs and trees on stony soil varying from sand to clay loam, shale or basalt.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
40.55 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
10.93 kilobases
Assembly N50:
12 895.83 kilobases
Contig number:
1 320
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
1.45 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.8% [S: 5.4%, D: 94.4%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Pelargonium sidoides
Black Pelargonium
.jpg)
Importance:
It is a well-known medicinal plant and is used by the pharmaceutical industry for the treatment of bronchitis. It is also utilized for a variety of folk-medicinal purposes, including the treatment of sore throats and congestion. Its tubers are harvested in the wild and exported for the international herbal medicine trade.
Date Published:
2025-10-29
Photo credit:
© F. Riegel
bottom of page