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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
Genome size:
592 million DNA base pairs (0.592 Gigabases)
Size:
2 meters (height)
Distribution:
The distribution extends from the coast of Namaqualand to the Cape Peninsula and eastwards to Port Alfred. In its natural state it grows not far from the sea and is often a common constituent of the vegetation on coastal sand dunes.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
26.03 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
15.76 kilobases
Assembly N50:
TBA
Contig number:
TBA
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
0.49 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S:91.3%, D:8.0%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Salvia africana-lutea
Wild sage
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Importance:
The flowers of this South African endemic plant contain a lot of sweet nectar which attracts bees, butterflies and moths, and acts as an essential food supply for sunbirds, particularly when proteas are not flowering. The plant makes an excellent tea for coughs, colds, bronchitis and related ailments. The leaves are lovely for use in potpourri as they retain their shape, colour and much of their fragrance, and mix well with other ingredients.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Date Published:
2025-01-19
Photo credit:
© T. Makola
Flora
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