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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

0.3 meters in height.

Size:

0.3 meters in height.

Distribution:

Found in grassland habitats across Southern Africa.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

122.04 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

9.24 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

2.75 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.6% [S: 60.8%, D: 38.8%]

Importance:

Some populations of this species in the Barberton region of South Africa have evolved the ability to hyperaccumulate nickel, making this species ideal for a comparative genomics approach to understand the evolution of this extreme phenotype.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Robert Ingle
University of Cape Town

Group:

Monocot

Genome size:

739 million DNA base pairs (0.74 Gigabases)

Size:

Up to 2 meters in height

Distribution:

Strelitzia alba has a restricted range, occurring along South Africa's Garden Route in the coastal forests of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. It thrives in evergreen forests, gorges, and river slopes.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

39.29 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.04 kilobases

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

530.29 million bases (0.53 Gigabases)

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.2% [S: 58.4%, D: 40.8%]

BUSCO database:

TBA

Strelitzia alba

Cape wild banana

Species Card Details

Importance:

The white-flowered wild banana or Cape wild banana is a striking plant endemic to South Africa's Garden Route. It plays an important ecological role in its forest habitat. Although classified as not endangered, wild populations face pressure from harvesting seeds and side shoots for cultivation. Its distinctive white flowers make it a sought-after species, contributing to its commercial and conservation significance.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria

Date Published:

2025-02-17

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© G.J. Mann

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