top of page
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:
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
.jpg)
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
bottom of page