top of page
Group:
Moncot
Estimated genome size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Distribution:
Endemic to South Africa, the Miracle Clivia Lily is known to occur in the Oorlogskloof area near the town of Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape. The species has only been recorded in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, where two subpopulations are found on the Bokkeveldberge plateau.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
426.45 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.38 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
15.12 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 69.9%, D: 29.4%]
Importance:
Clivia mirabilis survives in an unusually arid environment compared with other Clivia species, which is why it is known as the “miracle lily”. Its distinctive hardiness has made it desirable for breeders seeking to improve ornamental Clivia lines. However, heavy illegal poaching has removed thousands of plants from the wild. This leaves the remaining population dangerously small and at risk of extinction in its natural habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Felix Middleton
Clivia Society of South Africa
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Up to 30 to 60 cm in height
Distribution:
Skaapbossie/sheep bush is widespread throughout South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. In South Africa, it is found in different biomes and vegetation types, including Succulent Karoo, Nama Karoo, Fynbos and Renosterveld. Preferred habitats are loamy or sandy ridges and plains within arid and semi -arid areas between 900-1 700 m above sea level.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
288 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
7.39 kilobases
Assembly N50:
2 086.75 kilobases
Contig number:
9 599
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
10.41 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.7% [S: 0.2%, D: 99.5%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Pentzia incana
Skaapbossie
.jpeg)
Importance:
This species is an important pasture plant in the Karoo. The aromatic compounds in its leaves are thought to contribute to the distinctive flavour of Karoo lamb. It has a unique shallow root system. Its ability to anchor and propagate itself through the root system results in the formation of a dense root mass that binds the soil, reducing erosion. (https://pza.sanbi.org/pe tzia-incana).
Date Published:
2025-08-27
Photo credit:
© G. Malan
bottom of page