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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
1.5 m
Size:
1.5 m
Distribution:
Maiden's Quiver Tree is restricted to desert mountainsides and arid ravines in South Africa (Richtersveld of the Northern Cape) and southern Namibia. Its distribution is concentrated within the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
379.51 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.36 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
11.21 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.9% [S: 92.7%, D: 6.8%]
Importance:
Aloidendron ramosissimum is threatened by plant theft, overgrazing, and ongoing habitat degradation. Its slow growth and low resilience mean disturbances, drought, and increased grazing pressure have long-term impacts, especially on juvenile survival. Climate change and possible mining activities are expected to further reduce its suitable habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African Biodiversity Institute
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
12 m (height)
Distribution:
The pepper bark thorn tree is found in woodland, wooded grassland and along riverbanks in South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, northern and eastern Botswana, northern Namibia and tropical Africa north to Ethiopia.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
56.59 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
9.28 kilobases
Assembly N50:
16 534 kilobases
Contig number:
912
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
1.36 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.5% [S: 2.8%, D: 96.7%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Vachellia sieberiana
Paperbark thorn tree
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Importance:
Widely spread across Africa, this tree is known for its iconic flat-topped canopy, often depicted in films set in Africa. In Central Africa, a bark/root decoction treats urinary inflammation, while leaves, bark, and resin serve as astringents for colds, chest issues, diarrhea, hemorrhages, and eye inflammation. In Tanzania, bark is used for gonorrhea treatment. The edible gum acts as a strong adhesive, and twine from the inner bark is used for threading beads.
Date Published:
2025-08-27
Photo credit:
© K. Campbell
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