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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

Up to 18 m tall

Size:

Up to 18 m tall

Distribution:

The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

86.86 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

17.18 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.39 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]

Importance:

Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria

Group:

Monocot

Estimated genome size:

Size:

0.5 m

Distribution:

Widespread, usually on coastal sandy flats from southern Namibia to the southeastern Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

356.56 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.81 kilobases

Assembly N50:

15 297.52 kilobases

Contig number:

81 109

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Hifiasm

Genome Length:

6.36 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.3% [S: 80.7%, D: 18.6%]

BUSCO database:

viridiplantae

Trachyandra ciliata

Wildeblomkool

Species Card Details

Importance:

Trachyandra ciliata is an edible plant, used as a vegetable and cooked in a stew. The flowering stalks are harvested and can be steamed or boiled the same way as asparagus.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Ernst van Jaarsveld
Babylonstoren Farms

Date Published:

2025-09-22

Photo credit:

© T. Morkel

Flora

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