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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:
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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