Ferraria is a genus of perennial bulbous plants in the Iridaceae family found in southern tropical Africa to the southern Cape. Of 11 species, 7 are found in the Cape region of South Africa and others found in Namaqualand.

Ferraria crispa is a variable species both in flower shape, pattern and growth form. Though the flowers of the Ferraria genus is generally described as ill smelling, Ferraria crispa has vanilla scented flowers. Ferraria crispa is endemic to South Africa and widespread but mostly coastal, found on sandstone or granite rocks.