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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
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
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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
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