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 ciliata is indigenous to South Africa where it occurs over the complete winter rainfall region, as well as adjacent areas of the summer rainfall region of southern Africa. The plants are normally found on clay or sandy slopes and flats and can resist diverse environments, from high rainfall on the Cape Peninsula to less than 120 mm in parts of Namaqualand and the Karoo. From the ground arise ciliate leaves up to 15cm in length. From winter to spring it bears a solitary white, blue, yellow or brown vanilla scented flower. The seeds are best sown during autumn.