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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

Up to 18 m tall

Size:

Up to 18 m tall

Distribution:

The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

86.86 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

17.18 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.39 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]

Importance:

Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria

Group:

Eudicot

Genome size:

60 Million DNA base pairs (0.597 Giga bases)

Size:

3-7 m

Distribution:

This wild grape can be found starting from the Cape Peninsula, where it thrives in the ravines on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It extends along the coastline in a narrow band through the Eastern Cape, continuing up to northern KwaZulu-Natal, and then moves inland through Mpumalanga into Limpopo Province, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. It is typically found near forests and grows along river edges, climbing over trees and shrubs.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

13.04 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

18.05 kilobases

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

583.24 Mb

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8%

BUSCO database:

TBA

Rhoicissus tomentosa

Wild Grape

Species Card Details

Importance:

The acidic fruits are edible and pleasant tasting but should be eaten in moderation. Fruits can be used to make jams, jelly, wine and vinegar. The poisonous tuberous rootstock is used in traditional medicine. When boiled in milk it can be used to expel intestinal worms in calves and is also used to facilitate delivery during pregnancy.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Ernst Van Jaarsveld,
University of Western Cape | Babylonstoren

Date Published:

2024-09-20

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© K. Barsakis

Flora

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