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 simulans is a South African indigenous species from the Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape Provinces. It was previously known as Gynandriris cladostachya, Gynandriris simulans, Helixyra elata, Helixyra mossii, Helixyra propinqua and Helixyra simulans. It grows to 20cm tall and has a slightly spiraled single leaf. During spring it bears blue flowers.