Human Influence

There is no human hazard regarding the African Starfish Flower.   In fact, the Zulus use different parts of the flower as a remedy for hysteria.  However , most of these plants are usually collected by people who look to garden succulent plants.   However, since majority of the African starfish flowers only exist in South Africa , and a few countries above it, the plant is rare enough to be threatened or endangered. However, these flowers are less attracted by humans to use for gardening or recreational use  because of their overpowering stench and dull, animal corpse like color.  There fore I do not think it could eventually become threatened. 

Collection rare plant species poise many consequences. To start off, all living organisms need to reproduce. Picking these plants, or collecting their seeds will reduce their ability to reproduce which will affect its long term survival in that location.  Removing these plants from their native biome will also affect pollinators and other animals that depend on the species for food and cover.  Collecting rare plant species will cause a less plant diversity within the ecosystems which will ultimately decrease the efficiency of the ecosystem.

Ethics in Collectiong Plant Speices: 

• Positively identify the plants before collecting seeds  or cuttings. 
• collecting must never endanger a plant population
• can not collect plants that seem weak or unhealthy. 
• obtain all necessary permits