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Species Card Details

Portulacaria afra

Spekboom

Species Card Photograph

Group:

Eudicot

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

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

0.45 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99%

BUSCO database:

TBA

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

Date Published:

2023-03-01

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© D. Erasmus

Flora

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