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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
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
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