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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:
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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