Moraea monticola is known from only a few, widely disjunct collections. It is a rare species, occurring in small subpopulations (N.A. Helme pers. obs.). However, it flowers outside of the peak flowering season, and flowers are open for only a short period in the late afternoon, indicating that this species is highly likely to be overlooked elsewhere in its range.

Goldblatt, P. 1998. Reduction of Barnardiella, Galaxia, Gynandriris, Hexaglottis. Homeria, and Roggeveldia in Moraeae (Iridaceae: Irideae). Novon 8:371-377.

Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C. and Snijman, D. 2005. Cape Plants: corrections and additions to the flora. 1. Bothalia 35(1):35-46.

Hilton-Taylor, C. 1996. Red data list of southern African plants. Strelitzia 4. South African National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.

Manning, J., Goldblatt, P. and Snijman, D. 2002. The color encyclopedia of Cape bulbs. Timber Press, Portland/Cambridge.

Manning, J.C. and Goldblatt, P. 2012. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape Flora. Strelitzia 29. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Raimondo, D., von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. and Manyama, P.A. 2009. Red List of South African Plants. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Snijman, D.A. 2013. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.