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Phylum:

Chordata

Estimated genome size:

80-120 cm

Organism size:

80-120 cm

Distribution:

Majority of Zulu sheep are kept kept by rural farmers in the Kwa-Zulu
Natal province of South Africa as a source for income and affordable
protein.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

60.89 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

12.1 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

2.64 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8%

Importance:

Zulu Sheep developed unique and specific adaptative traits to local
Southern African environments including tolerance to hot and humid
conditions, tolerance to local internal and external parasites, endurance,
and is immune to most local disease.

Sample Contributor contact details

Annelin Molotsi Stellenbosch University

Phylum:

Magnoliophyta

Estimated genome size:

800 million DNA base pairs (0.8 Gigabases)

Organism size:

~ 0.5 - 2 meters (height)

Distribution:

Spekboom is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, particularly in the Karoo regions, where the semi-arid conditions are ideal for this resilient plant.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

75.56 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

22.81 kilobases

Portulacaria afra

Spekboom

Species Card Details

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.45 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99%

Importance:

Spekboom is known for its carbon sequestration, adaptability to harsh environments and soil binding properties that can help prevent erosion. It has low water requirements and edible leaves that are high in Vitamin C, enjoyed by wild animals (especially elephants) and humans alike.

Sample Contributor contact details

Ernst Van Jaarsveld,
University of Western Cape | Babylonstoren

Photo credit:

© D. Erasmus

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