It cannot be overstated that the lushness, diversity, and density of plant life (by Arrakis standards) of the O’odham is unmatched on the planet. A more thorough cataloging of species should be conducted. Soil samples as well.
From what I understand, the area was significant to the Fremen from their earliest times, stretching back even into pre-sietch Zensunni history. Ancient ruins can still be found there. Was the plant life always this prodigious? Is that what brought them? Was it caused by them?
Unfortunately, in the absence of the Fremen, it seems some strange cult has taken root in the area. The news I’ve gathered is fanciful, contradictory, and suspect. Cults gather rumors like flies. One repeating detail: they allegedly worship sandworms in some fashion.