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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:
2 meters in height
Distribution:
Native to South Africa, bird of paradise plants occurs naturally in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. It grows along riverbanks and in coastal thickets.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
43.63 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
7.69 kilobases
Assembly N50:
TBA
Contig number:
TBA
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
597.23 million bases (0.60 Gigabases)
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 57.3%, D: 42.0%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Strelitzia reginae
Bird of paradise

Importance:
The crane flower, bird of paradise, or isigude in Nguni, is one of South Africa's most iconic flowering plants. As an evergreen perennial with striking orange and blue flowers it is highly sought after for gardens and the cut flower market and, therefore, widely cultivated for its aesthetic appeal.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Date Published:
2025-02-17
Photo credit:
© Neoneo
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