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Group:
Eudicot
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
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
Flora
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