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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Distribution:
It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape and Northern Cape
provinces of South Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
89.36 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.51 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
4.53 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [Single: 50.6%, Duplicated: 49%]
Importance:
The greater padloper tortoise is endemic to South Africa and contributes to ecosystem stability in the Karoo. As the largest species in the genus Homopus, it is of scientific interest for studies of limb development, as it is one of only two Homopus species with four digits on each foot.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Group:
Gymnosperm
Estimated genome size:
Size:
15 meters
Distribution:
Narrowly confined to the Cederberg, in the Western Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
406.93 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
18.79 kilobases
Assembly N50:
325 649.65 kilobases
Contig number:
1871
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
9.26 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
96.2% [S: 92.9%, D: 3.3%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Widdringtonia wallichii
Clanwilliam Cedar
Importance:
The Clanwilliam cedar, an iconic conifer of the Cederberg, is critically endangered. Its assembled genome will serve as a reference for mapping short-read sequences from trees of different ages and locations, allowing us to measure genetic diversity across space and time. These genetic insights will help guide seed-collection strategies and maximise genetic diversity in restoration efforts in the Cederberg.
Date Published:
2026-03-17
Photo credit:
© N. Illing
Flora
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