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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:
10 cm
Distribution:
Portulacaria pygmaea is restricted to the arid Richtersveld region of the Northern Cape, occurring along the lower Orange River Valley.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
33.45 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
13.19 kilobases
Assembly N50:
11 377.66 kilobases
Contig number:
810
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.84 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.5% [S: 7.3%, D: 92.2%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Portulacaria pygmaea
Pygmy porkbush
Importance:
This species is listed as Critically Endangered on the SANBI Red List. It is has lost most of its habitat to mining and is being poached heavily and needs critical conservation intervention. It is a relative of Portulacaria afra (spekboom) which has important ecological and economic value. P. pygmaea is a Richtersveld endemic with a complete absence of cytogenetic or genomic data, making it a highly valuable candidate for foundational genetic, ecological, and conservation research into southern-African biodiversity.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Annerie Senekal
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
Date Published:
2026-06-08
Photo credit:
© N. Helme
Flora
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