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Group:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Distribution:

Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

34.81 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

1.09 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]

Importance:

The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums 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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