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:

2 meters

Distribution:

Plectranthus zuluensis occurs from the northern parts of the Eastern Cape through the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal to southern Swaziland. It grows along stream banks and in river gorges in shady or semi-shady areas on the margins of semi-coastal, subtropical forests.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

11.03 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

11.64 kilobases

Assembly N50:

172.11 kilobases

Contig number:

4 569

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Flye

Genome Length:

0.48 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

97.1% [S: 73.6%, D: 23.5%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Plectranthus zuluensis

Zulu spurflower

Species Card Details

Importance:

The Zulu spurflower is cultivated locally and internationally as a flowering ornamental plant, valued for its velvety foliage and blue to mauve blooms.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Roger Jaques
Closing the Loop (Pty) Ltd

Date Published:

2026-03-27

Photo credit:

© P. Candotti

bottom of page