Encephalartos transvenosus

The Modjadji cycad, as Encephalartos transvenosus is commonly known, is one of the largest cycads on earth. The stem commonly grows to between 5 and 8 m, but may occasionally reach 13 m (SA Tree List No. 13).

The distribution is quite restricted around Duiwelskloof, now Modjadjiskloof near Tzaneen in Limpopo. It also grows naturally in the Soutpansberg.

The habitat is varied bushveld and long grass on steep, rocky slopes of the mistbelt where the trees form natural forests. The habitat population is deemed near threatened early in the twenty first century, due to plant collection and habitat destruction.

The dynasty of legendary Rain Queens, Queen Modjadji of the Balobedu tribe, is expected to continue once the legal proceedings relating to the disputed succession is resolved. The queen's duties include presiding over the tribe's annual rain-making ceremony in accordance with the hereditary traditions of several centuries. It is not only plant species that come under threat. People in some parts of a climate change world, sporadic famine threats looming, as well as valued human cultural phenomena and groupings with dwindling numbers and unusual habits are also endangered from time to time.  

There are otherworldly stories about the origins and events surrounding the Rain Queen traditions and succession. She has no husband and is represented by senior indunas of the tribe in dealing with the outside world. When she becomes old, she chooses the time when her title is bestowed upon her eldest daughter... upon which she is said to take poison (Coates Palgrave, 2002; iNaturalist; Wikipedia; www.tzaneen.co.za; http://redlist.sanbi.org).