Chromosome-level genome assembly of Welwitschia mirabilis, a unique Namib Desert species

Welwitschia mirabilis, which is endemic to the Namib Desert, is the only living species within the family Welwitschiaceae. This species has an extremely long lifespan of up to 2,000 years and bears a single pair of opposite leaves that persist whilst alive. However, the underlying genetic mechanisms and evolution of the species remain poorly elucidated. Here, we report on a chromosome-level genome assembly for W. mirabilis, with a 6.30-Gb genome sequence and contig N50 of 27.50 Mb. In total, 39,019 protein-coding genes were predicted from the genome. Two brassinosteroid-related genes (BRI1 and CYCD3), key regulators of cell division and elongation, were strongly selected in W. mirabilis and may contribute to their long ever-growing leaves. Furthermore, 29 gene families in the mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway showed significant expansion, which may contribute to the desert adaptations of the plant. Three positively selected genes (EHMT1, EIF4E, SOD2) may be involved in the mechanisms leading to long lifespan. Based on molecular clock dating and fossil calibrations, the divergence time of W. mirabilis and Gnetum montanum was estimated at ~123.5 million years ago. Reconstruction of population dynamics from genome data coincided well with the aridification of the Namib Desert. The genome sequence detailed in the current study provides insight into the evolution of W. mirabilis and should be an important resource for further study on gnetophyte and gymnosperm evolution.