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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
Genome size:
739 million DNA base pairs (0.74 Gigabases)
Size:
Up to 8 meters in height
Distribution:
The mountain strelitzia occurs from the Chimanimani Mountains in Zimbabwe, through Mozambique, the Northern Provinces of South Africa and Eswatini. It grows inland, preferring wetter habitats like Afromontane forests.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
47.59 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
9.11 kilobases
Assembly N50:
TBA
Contig number:
TBA
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
586.36 million bases (0.59 Gigabases)
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.9% [S: 56.5%, D: 42.4%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Strelitzia caudata
Mountain strelitzia
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Importance:
The mountain strelitzia or wild banana is an impressive banana-like plant. It has unique white flowers with a pink tinge emerging from a purple spathe (sheath). It is one of three large Strelitzia species, alongside Strelitzia alba and Strelitzia nicolai, which are often confused.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Date Published:
2025-02-17
Photo credit:
© G.J. Mann
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