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 polystachya commonly known as Peacock Flower is a vigorous cormous perennial species from the winter and summer rainfall areas of southern Africa. It is an indigenous species that grows to 80cm tall. It produces large numbers of violet to pale blue iris-like flowers with yellow centers. It blooms for 6 to 8 weeks during autumn and early winter. If you’re growing this species in pots keep it dry at the start of summer but start watering it in mid-summer to get the longest bloom period. This species is reportedly poisonous to livestock, so be careful not to let it escape into the wild. Seeds of this species may be sown during spring and autumn.