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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:

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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