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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:

2 m

Distribution:

These endemic trees often occur along the banks of dry streams and small rivers in the Little Karoo, the drier areas of Eastern Cape and the southern part of Western Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

63.92 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

23.91 kilobases

Assembly N50:

91 921 kilobases

Contig number:

864

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

1.22 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.5% [S: 88.9%, D: 10.6%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Schotia afra

Karoo boer-bean

Species Card Details

Importance:

The Karoo boer-bean serves as both as a shade and ornamental tree. Its leaves are browsed by livestock, and its seeds are edible, consumed green, mature, or roasted and ground into a meal. The bark, when ground and soaked, produces tannin. This versatile tree can be pruned for shaping and is also suitable for bonsai cultivation

Sample Contributor contact details:

Mr Thabang Makola
South African National Biodiversity Institute

Date Published:

2025-12-01

Photo credit:

© M. Delport

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