The genus Moraea belongs to the Iridaceae family and is a close relative of the genus Iris. It is accepted that it evolved independently from Iris itself, which is restricted to the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, it is strictly an African genus extending from Nigeria and southern Ethiopia, into the African highlands down to the southern tip of Africa where winter rainfall is predominant. Many are indigenous to South Africa. It is in the winter rainfall area where one finds the highest concentration of Moraea species. They have long narrow basal leaves, sometimes only one per corm and large yellow, pink, orange, or bicolor flowers with six fairly equal tepals. The genus name is a tribute to the English botanist Robert Moore. Moraeas have iris-like flowers. They make good potted plants and are suitable rockery plants too. Most enjoy well-drained soil and full sun to flower best.

Moraea aristata is an endangered species which is endemic to South Africa where it survives only in a small protected area near Cape Town. It is white with dark blue nectar guides sometimes outlined in another colour. Moraea aristata is a winter-growing, summer-dormant bulb. Cultivating this species is easily achieved and it flowers prolifically in ideal conditions. Moraea aristata is a member of the group of species known as peacock moraeas that have showy rounded outer tepals with prominent nectar guides or eyes that attract beetle pollinators. The mature plant reaches 20 to 35 cm high and produces a single long, linear, smooth basal leaf up to 40 cm long. The large, Iris -like flowers are unscented and borne at the tip of the main stem and occasionally on short side branches. Flowers are produced over a period of three to four weeks. This group includes well known species such as Moraea gigandra, Moraea tulbaghensis and Moraea villosa. The seeds are best sown during autumn.