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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:

Eudicot

Genome size:

Unknown

Size:

0.6 – 1.5 meters in height

Distribution:

The blushing bride occurs close to Franschhoek on mountain slopes in soils derived from granite. It is Critically Endangered as it is threatened by alien invasive species such as hakea and pines. Too frequent fires are a critical threat to the remaining wild populations, as immature plants are not given enough time to produce seeds that will rejuvenate the underground seed bank.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

34.3 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

13.76 kilobases

Assembly N50:

244.21 kilobases

Contig number:

7 224

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Flye

Genome Length:

0.51 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

96.7% [S: 87.5%, D: 9.2%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Serruria florida

Blushing bride

Species Card Details

Importance:

The blushing bride is one of the most delicate members of the Proteaceae family. Serruria has grown into an important member of the indigenous floriculture industry of South Africa. On the one hand the conservation of this endangered member is critical, but on the other the delicate flowers are creating jobs and earning international value on export of flowers.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Louisa Blomerus
Crop Development, Agricultural Research Council

Date Published:

2025-03-12

Photo credit:

© L. Blomerus

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