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Phylum:

Tracheophyta

Estimated genome size:

5-15 m

Organism size:

5-15 m

Distribution:

The Wild Almond / Wilde Amandel is confined to the fynbos biome in mountain regions such as Gifberg, Klein Rivier, Riviersonderend Mountains and the eastern side of Table Mountain.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

41.27 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

20.1 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.85 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.1%

Importance:

The fresh fruits are poisonous but can be used as a coffee substitute if processed correctly, which involves leaching out the poison – a skill learned from the Khoi.

Sample Contributor contact details

Ernst Van Jaarsveld,
University of Western Cape | Babylonstoren

Phylum:

Tracheophyta

Estimated genome size:

615 Million DNA base pairs (0,615 Giga bases)

Organism size:

3 m

Distribution:

The Marama bean is locally found in northern Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and the Northern Cape where it is localised in patches of grassland and wooded grassland vegetation in sandy and limestone soils.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

15.96 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

17.23 kilobases

Tylosema esculentum

Maramaboon

Species Card Details

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

295.03 Mb

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.6%

Importance:

Marama bean is a drought-tolerant perennial legume of southern Africa which has incredible potential to be developed into an agricultural important crop plant. The seeds and tubers are edible, nutritious (high protein content) and a palatable food source that are collected and consumed locally. When cooked or roasted, the seeds develop a rich, nutty flavour reminiscent of coffee beans or roasted cashews. It can also be cooked with maize, ground into flour, or used to create a warm beverage. It is often used in the preparation of cosmetics

Sample Contributor contact details

Ernst Van Jaarsveld,
University of Western Cape | Babylonstoren

Photo credit:

© C. Sydes

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