As part of a broader effort to investigate genomic diversity and evolutionary patterns within the Brassicales, my recent research has focused on Tiganophyton karasense, a monotypic genus endemic to the arid Karas Region of southern Namibia. This species, described only in 2020, is phylogenetically isolated and morphologically unusual, representing a key lineage for understanding trait evolution and adaptation in extreme environments. Despite its taxonomic importance, almost nothing was known about its genomic architecture.
In collaboration with the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute, we conducted a field expedition to locate and sample this rare plant. Together, we drove nearly ten hours south from Gobabab to Keetmanshoop, aiming to find one of the three known populations of Tiganophyton. We were ultimately successful in visiting two of these known populations and— remarkably—discovered a fourth, previously undocumented population. Observing the plants in real life was a surreal experience; besides their striking appearance, the plants are much smaller than we had expected. Their shoots are very short, and they look unlike any other Brassicales species I’ve encountered—truly among the weirdest plants I’ve seen! I am calling it the Welwitschia of Brassicales.
We collected fresh leaf tissue for DNA and RNA extraction to generate a high-quality, chromosome-scale genome and transcriptome, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI). The genomic data from Tiganophyton will contribute to a larger comparative framework across the Brassicales, including 25 other species. This work will facilitate studies of desiccation tolerance, photosynthetic adaptation, and floral evolution, and help clarify deep relationships and whole genome duplication events within the order.
This project underscores the power of international and cross-institutional collaboration in biodiversity genomics, particularly in underexplored regions. By working closely with our Namibian partners throughout both fieldwork and analysis, we ensure equitable benefit-sharing and build local capacity for future conservation and genomic research. Ultimately, this research will advance our understanding of evolutionary innovation in arid ecosystems and provide essential genomic resources for future study.
Mackenzie Mabry is a postdoctoral researcher of Molecular Systematics and Evolutionary Genetics at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Mabry is advised by Dr. Douglas Soltis, Distinguished Professor of Biology, and Dr. Pamela Soltis, Curator of Molecular Systematics and Evolutionary Genetics.
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