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Group:

Reptile

Estimated genome size:

17 cm maximum (total body length).

Size:

17 cm maximum (total body length).

Distribution:

It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape and Northern Cape
provinces of South Africa.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

89.36 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

6.51 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

4.53 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.6% [Single: 50.6%, Duplicated: 49%]

Importance:

The greater padloper tortoise is endemic to South Africa and contributes to ecosystem stability in the Karoo. As the largest species in the genus Homopus, it is of scientific interest for studies of limb development, as it is one of only two Homopus species with four digits on each foot.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State

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

Species Card Details

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.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Roger Jaques
Closing the Loop (Pty) Ltd

Date Published:

2026-03-24

Photo credit:

© P. Candotti

Flora

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