top of page
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:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, Western Cape Province, ranging from Mossel Bay to near Saldanha Bay.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
69.13 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.32 kilobases
Assembly N50:
1032.76 kilobases
Contig number:
9 630
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
1.54 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 98.4%, D: 1.2%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Scelotes bipes
Silvery Dwarf Burrowing Skink
Importance:
This species is an important model for investigating limb reduction and genomic evolution in vertebrates. Within the genus Scelotes, it represents an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), making it particularly valuable for comparative developmental and evolutionary studies. Its restricted distribution across distinct habitats and regions further enhances its utility as a model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology research.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
Date Published:
2026-02-05
Photo credit:
© L. Kemp
bottom of page