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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

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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