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Group:
Moncot
Estimated genome size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Distribution:
Endemic to South Africa, the Miracle Clivia Lily is known to occur in the Oorlogskloof area near the town of Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape. The species has only been recorded in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, where two subpopulations are found on the Bokkeveldberge plateau.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
426.45 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.38 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
15.12 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 69.9%, D: 29.4%]
Importance:
Clivia mirabilis survives in an unusually arid environment compared with other Clivia species, which is why it is known as the “miracle lily”. Its distinctive hardiness has made it desirable for breeders seeking to improve ornamental Clivia lines. However, heavy illegal poaching has removed thousands of plants from the wild. This leaves the remaining population dangerously small and at risk of extinction in its natural habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Felix Middleton
Clivia Society of South Africa
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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