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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Up to 18 m tall
Size:
Up to 18 m tall
Distribution:
The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
86.86 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
17.18 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.39 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]
Importance:
Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
0.5 to 2 meters in
height
Distribution:
Plectranthus saccatus is found naturally in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in forest habitats, usually in moist, rocky, semi shaded habitats.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
19.46 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
18.49 kilobases
Assembly N50:
7 423.36 kilobases
Contig number:
393
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.5 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.1% [S: 78.4%, D: 20.7%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Plectranthus saccatus
Stoep jacaranda
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Importance:
This species is cultivated locally and internationally as a flowering ornamental. Compared with other members of the genus it has relatively large flowers and is easy to propagate. It has also been used in the development of several South African commercial hybrids, including ‘Mona Lavender’, bred at Kirstenbosch, and the Cape Angels series.
Date Published:
2026-03-24
Photo credit:
© P. Candotti
Flora
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