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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:
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
Flora
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