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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:
Monocot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
0.3 to 0.5m tall
Distribution:
Distribution includes the Namibia, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, and Swaziland.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
105.33 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
11.21 kilobases
Assembly N50:
127.85 kilobases
Contig number:
8 626
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
0.46 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.4% [S: 79.1%, D: 19.3%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Xerophyta viscosa
Small black-stick lily
Importance:
Xerophyta species are desiccation tolerant, with leaves able to survive dehydration to below 5% relative water content. To identify the regulatory switches that protect against desiccation, multiple Xerophyta genomes can be compared. Although a genome assembly attributed to X. viscosa has been published, it is actually that of X. schlechteri; assembling the true X. viscosa genome will correct this and help identify conserved regulatory switches.
Date Published:
2026-02-10
Photo credit:
© M. Prag
Flora
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