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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:

One to two meters in height

Distribution:

The rush-leaved strelitzia is indigenous to South Africa and occurs in sparse populations near Uitenhage, Patensie, and north of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. It grows in dry, open habitats.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

19.82 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

13.25 kilobases

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

592.36 million bases (0.59 Gigabases)

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 57.6%, D: 41.2%]

BUSCO database:

TBA

Strelitzia juncea

Rush-leaved strelitzia

Species Card Details

Importance:

The rush-leaved strelitzia or narrow-leaved bird of paradise is a striking, drought-resistant plant indigenous to South Africa. It has unique cylindrical leaves and vibrant flowers, is slow-growing and adapted to semi-arid conditions Wild populations face threats from habitat loss and illegal collection for horticultural purposes.

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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