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Group:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

4 mm

Size:

4 mm

Distribution:

Exclusive to the Western Cape province.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

48.91 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

7.69 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

1.33 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.9% [S: 97.7%, D: 2.2%]

Importance:

Amitermes hastatus plays a significant role in South African biodiversity as a key decomposer in the fynbos biome, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Sequencing the genome of this species important because it can: ① Illuminate genetic adaptations to nutrient-poor, fire adapted environments; ② Provide insight into the evolution of sociality in termites within an ecologically unique context; ③ Support comparative genomics across termite lineages, particularly within the diverse and underrepresented southern African termite fauna; ④ Enhance understanding of species responses to climate change and habitat transformation in fynbos systems.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Barbara van Asch
Stellenbosch University, Genetics Department

Group:

Eudicot

Genome size:

60 Million DNA base pairs (0.597 Giga bases)

Size:

3-7 m

Distribution:

This wild grape can be found starting from the Cape Peninsula, where it thrives in the ravines on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It extends along the coastline in a narrow band through the Eastern Cape, continuing up to northern KwaZulu-Natal, and then moves inland through Mpumalanga into Limpopo Province, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. It is typically found near forests and grows along river edges, climbing over trees and shrubs.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

13.04 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

18.05 kilobases

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

583.24 Mb

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8%

BUSCO database:

TBA

Rhoicissus tomentosa

Wild Grape

Species Card Details

Importance:

The acidic fruits are edible and pleasant tasting but should be eaten in moderation. Fruits can be used to make jams, jelly, wine and vinegar. The poisonous tuberous rootstock is used in traditional medicine. When boiled in milk it can be used to expel intestinal worms in calves and is also used to facilitate delivery during pregnancy.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Ernst Van Jaarsveld,
University of Western Cape | Babylonstoren

Date Published:

2024-09-20

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© K. Barsakis

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