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Phylum:

Tracheophyta

Estimated genome size:

0.1 m

Organism size:

0.1 m

Distribution

Carpobrotus acinaciformis thrives in coastal loose sands and rocky outcrops across the Western Cape Province, ranging from Saldanha Bay to the Cape Peninsula and extending eastward to Mossel Bay. While native to South Africa, this species has also become naturalized in other regions worldwide.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

68.91 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

4.17 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

653.21 Mb

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.5%

Importance:

The Pink Sourfig bears edible fruits with notable medicinal properties, and is consumed orally to help treat tuberculosis and other pulmonary infections. Leaf juice is used topically on sores or burns and is an antiseptic. The leaf juice is believed to have diuretic effects and to aid in relieving dysentery. Both leaf and fruit preparations are taken internally to address heart conditions and used as a mouthwash or gargle to soothe sore throats and oral sores.

Sample Contributor contact details

Ernst Van Jaarsveld,
University of Western Cape | Babylonstoren

Phylum:

Chordata

Estimated genome size:

260 Million DNA base pairs (2.6 Gb Giga bases)

Organism size:

12-13 meter TL

Distribution:

The inshore Bryde's whale population displays a restricted distribution to the continental shelf waters of South Africa, mostly focused on the Agulhas Bank. This population does move up the east coast during autumn and winter as they follow their main prey source, sardine.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

135.04 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.67 kilobases

Balaenoptera brydei

Bryde's whale

Species Card Details

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

2364.73 Mb

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.1%

Importance:

As the only South African resident baleen whale dependent on economically important pelagic fish, the species has high economic and ecological value in the local marine environment. Many aspects of this elusive population remain unknown. A high quality reference genome is essential from a conservation perspective, as it will serve as a basis for downstream genomic comparisons on both local and global scales, ultimately providing a comprehensive overview of this population's viability.

Sample Contributor contact details

Prof. Paulette Bloomer
University of Pretoria

Photo credit:

© C. Wilkinson

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