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 tricuspidata is a South African endemic species from the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces where it can be found growing on clay or granitic slopes from the Cederberg Mountains to Grahamstown. It was previously known as Iris tricuspidata, Iris tricuspis, Moraea bellendenii subsp. cormifera, Moraea confusa, Moraea tricuspis and Vieusseuxia tricuspis. Vernacular names include Blou-ooguintjiea and Rietuintjie. It grows from 25cm to 60cm tall and during summer it bears white to cream flowers, speckled brownish at the centres with yellow to brown speckled nectar guides.