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Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Distribution:
Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.81 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
1.09 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]
Importance:
The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Group:
Eudicot
Genome size:
2 980 million DNA base pairs (2.98 Gigabases)
Size:
One meter in height
Distribution:
It occurs on sandstone and granite outcrops below 500 m from Saldanha Bay to the Cape Peninsula. It is also commonly found on sandy flats and hillsides. It does not tolerate frost and does best with winter rainfall.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
63.41 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
16.75 kilobases
Assembly N50:
TBA
Contig number:
TBA
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
1.66 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.8% [S: 96.5%, D: 3.3%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Podalyria sericea
Cape satin bush
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Importance:
Podalyria sericea is listed as Vulnerable. This South African endemic plant is threatened due to alien plant infestations, grazing and too frequent fires in its natural habitat. The flowers are visited by carpenter bees and many other insects. This plant has much decorative horticultural value.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Date Published:
2025-03-12
Photo credit:
© T. Makola
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