The coffee tree—more accurately an evergreen shrub—belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is cultivated in regions across the globe between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. It typically begins producing coffee cherries after around three years of growth. While there are many coffee species, the two most widely cultivated are Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica (Coffea arabica) accounts for roughly 75% of global coffee production. Robusta (Coffea canephora), grown predominantly in West Africa and parts of Asia—particularly Vietnam—offers higher yields and contains more caffeine than Arabica. Both species can reach heights of up to 10 metres, though they are usually pruned to remain shorter for easier harvesting. Arabica plants are self-pollinating, whereas Robusta requires cross-pollination.
Coffee plants take approximately three to four years to mature and begin fruiting. The process starts with fragrant white flowers, which eventually fall away to reveal green cherries. These cherries gradually ripen, turning yellow or red depending on the variety, and are harvested once fully mature.
Arabica thrives at higher altitudes, typically in temperatures between 15–24°C. It is a more delicate plant than Robusta, requiring specific growing conditions. It is sensitive to frost and performs best with annual rainfall of around 1,500–2,500 mm, spread over approximately nine months.
There are numerous coffee varietals, each with distinct characteristics:
Typica – Considered one of the original Arabica varieties, Typica forms the foundation for many other varietals. It grows to around 3.5–4 metres and produces relatively low yields, but is renowned for its exceptional cup quality.
Bourbon – Originating from Réunion Island, Bourbon offers a similar quality to Typica but with slightly higher yields. It performs best at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 metres and is known for its rich and complex flavour.
Caturra – A natural mutation of Bourbon, this compact plant requires careful cultivation but rewards growers with higher yields and good cup quality. It can be grown at lower altitudes (450–1,700 metres), although productivity may decrease at higher elevations.
Catuai – A hybrid of Mundo Novo and Caturra, Catuai is a short, resilient plant that holds onto its cherries well, making it ideal for regions with strong winds and heavy rainfall. It is widely grown in Brazil.
Mundo Novo – First identified in Brazil in the 1940s, this natural hybrid of Typica and Bourbon is well suited to Brazilian growing conditions. It offers high yields—around 30% more than Bourbon—and good disease resistance.
Heirloom – A broad term used to describe the many traditional and indigenous coffee varieties, particularly those found in Ethiopia, where thousands of unique varietals are believed to exist.
Maragogype – Known for its unusually large beans, this Typica mutation—often called “Elephant Beans”—was discovered in Brazil and is prized for its distinctive appearance.
There are many other notable varietals, including Geisha, SL28, and Kent, each contributing to the rich diversity of coffee flavours enjoyed around the world.