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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:
Monocot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Up to 1 m in height
Distribution:
Wild rye grows naturally in moist meadows and streambanks in the Roggeveld - an area on the southern African escarpment margin between Sutherland and Middelpos in the Northern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
151.81 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.81 kilobases
Assembly N50:
779.54 kilobases
Contig number:
24 195
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
6.19 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.6% [S: 92.7%, D: 5.9%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Secale africanum
African rye
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Importance:
This is the only rye species from southern Africa. It is palatable and has been used for grazing. It is not known whether it was used as a cereal by the indigenous peoples in the past (pza.sanbi.org/secale africanum).
Date Published:
2025-08-27
Photo credit:
© E. van Jaarsveld
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