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 serpentina is a South African endemic species from the Northern Cape and Western Cape. It is found from Namaqualand to Olifants River Valley. It occurs in a wide variety of arid biomes including Desert, Fynbos, Nama Karoo and Succulent Karoo where it is usually found growing on dry stony flats and in crevices in granite rock. It has thin linear leaves that are beautifully twisted or coiled, looking like a snake, hence the species name. During spring it bears gorgeous white and yellow flowers that are often flushed with mauve. Seeds of this species are best sown during autumn.