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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
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Up to 8 meters
Distribution:
Searsia lancea is widespread across southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Eswatini. In South Africa, it occurs in all provinces and is common in semi-arid regions, especially along riverbanks, savannas, and disturbed areas.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
100.94 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
19.61 kilobases
Assembly N50:
1 049.17 kilobases
Contig number:
1 667
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
0.42 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.6% [S: 94.1%, D: 4.5%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Searsia lancea
Karee
Importance:
Searsia lancea is a hardy, fast-growing indigenous tree important for dryland ecosystems and urban greening due to its resilience. Despite its ecological value and widespread use, genomic resources are lacking, and genome sequencing would support conservation, restoration, and climate adaptation research.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Date Published:
2026-04-21
Photo credit:
© Y. Mgwatyu
Flora
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