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Phylum:
Tracheophyta
Estimated genome size:
15 cm
Organism size:
15 cm
Distribution:
Vernal pools from Clanwilliam to Knersvlakte and Nieuwoudtville
escarpment.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
95 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.61 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.25 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
100%
Importance:
This remarkable aquatic Oxalis only grows in seasonal pools that dry up in summer. It is only very distantly related to some of the other morphologically similar aquatic species, providing a wonderful example of convergent evolution in the South African flora.
Sample Contributor contact details
Dr Kenneth Oberlander
University of Pretoria
Phylum:
Streptophyta
Estimated genome size:
60 Million DNA base pairs (0.597 Giga bases)
Organism 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
Rhoicissus tomentosa
Wild Grape
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
583.24 Mb
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8%
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
Photo credit:
© K. Barsakis
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