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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:
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
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