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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
0.6 meters (height)
Distribution:
Boegoekaroo occurs across the arid interior Karoo regions of South Africa. It occurs from the Namaqualand, through the Great Karoo and Little Karoo, into the Eastern Cape Province.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
87.6 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
14.09 kilobases
Assembly N50:
2 965.24 kilobases
Contig number:
4 145
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
4.89 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 79.3%, D: 20.0%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Pteronia glauca
Boegoekaroo
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Importance:
This species is an iconic pasture plant of South Africa's dry interior (the Karoo). Its leaves have a pungent yet pleasantly herbal aroma when bruised. This aromatic flavour is associated with the distinctive taste of Karoo lamb. It is one of the bushes in the sheep’s diet considered necessary for producing certified Karoo lamb, as formally recognised in Government Gazette No. 49556.
Date Published:
2025-08-27
Photo credit:
© G. Laidler
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